ESPN Paying $1.6B For WrestleMania Rights

Disney’s ESPN and TKO Group’s WWE have signed a $1.6 billion, five-year deal starting in 2026, granting ESPN exclusive U.S. streaming rights to major WWE events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam for $325 million annually. 

This marks a significant increase from WWE’s current $900 million, five-year deal with Peacock. Following WWE’s $5 billion, 10-year deal with Netflix for “Raw,” the ESPN agreement will feature events on ESPN’s new $29.99/month streaming service, launching this fall, with select coverage simulcast on ESPN’s cable channels.

WrestleMania is World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) flagship annual event, often described as the "Super Bowl of professional wrestling." It’s a multi-day spectacle featuring high-profile wrestling matches, celebrity appearances, and elaborate storylines, drawing massive global audiences. Below are key details about WrestleMania, incorporating context from the provided agreement with ESPN and general knowledge about the event:OverviewInception: WrestleMania debuted in 1985, created by Vince McMahon, and has been held annually since, typically in March or April.

Significance: It’s WWE’s biggest pay-per-view (PPV) event, showcasing top talent, championship matches, and major storylines. It’s a cultural phenomenon, blending athleticism, entertainment, and drama.
Global Reach: WrestleMania attracts millions of viewers worldwide via live attendance, TV broadcasts, and streaming platforms, with fans from over 50 countries.