As WWE’s groundbreaking broadcast deal with Peacock approaches its conclusion, the company’s iconic video archive—including decades of matches, shows, and pay-per-view events—is poised to find a new home with ESPN. This transition marks a pivotal shift in where WWE fans will access the sport’s storied past, sparking widespread speculation and mixed reactions within the wrestling community.
WWE’s Landmark Move to ESPN: More Than Just Live Events
Earlier in August 2025, WWE and ESPN announced a landmark five-year partnership that will make ESPN the exclusive U.S. domestic broadcaster for all WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs), such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, and Survivor Series starting in 2026[3][4]. Valued at approximately $325 million annually, this agreement represents a substantial increase over the prior NBCUniversal-Peacock deal, emphasizing ESPN’s serious commitment to WWE content[2].
While the initial headlines focused on live events, insiders and wrestling media insiders, including Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, have revealed growing expectations that ESPN will also seek rights to WWE’s comprehensive video archive library as the Peacock deal winds down[1]. This expansive collection spans WWE’s illustrious history, including classic matches from WWE, WCW, and ECW.
A WWE insider familiar with the negotiations shared, “The archive is a treasure trove for the network. ESPN sees it not only as a historical asset but as potential exclusive content to deepen subscriber engagement as they build out their streaming platform.” This indicates ESPN’s strategic interest in leveraging both live programming and historical content to differentiate its service[1].
What This Means for WWE Fans and Subscribers
Transitioning such a vast archive to ESPN raises crucial questions about accessibility and cost. The forthcoming ESPN direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming service, launching August 21, 2025, requires a $29.99/month “ESPN Unlimited” subscription[1][5]. This bundle grants access to all ESPN linear networks along with live WWE PLEs.
There is concern among fans about the possibility of WWE’s historic content becoming locked behind a new paywall. Unlike Peacock, which has been the home for the WWE Network’s archival content since 2021, ESPN’s platform might separate past shows and classic matches into premium tiers or exclusive packages. A source close to WWE commented anonymously, “There’s definitely some apprehension backstage about whether casual fans will follow the archive migration or if access will be hampered by higher subscription costs. WWE is aware of the fanbase’s passion but must balance monetization with accessibility.”
Wrestlenomics has reported that live WWE events historically achieve higher viewership levels compared to archive content, which factors into WWE’s licensing strategy[1][2]. Some within WWE believe keeping the archive in-house for direct online distribution remains on the table. However, the ESPN deal’s financial incentives and broad sports audience reach make an archival agreement compelling.
ESPN’s Plans for WWE Content Distribution
ESPN, owned by The Walt Disney Company, is expanding its direct-to-consumer platform aggressively. With the WWE deal, ESPN aims to position itself as a premier destination not only for sports but also for entertainment-rich content like professional wrestling.
According to Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman, “WWE has an immense, devoted and passionate fanbase that we’re excited to super-serve on our new ESPN DTC platform. This agreement, which features the most significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future”[3].
Beyond live PLE broadcasts, ESPN plans to offer pre- and post-event shows and could potentially create curated content from the archive, leveraging classic matches and historical storylines to create fresh programming. This approach could enhance WWE’s visibility beyond established fans and attract new viewers.
Navigating the End of the Peacock Era
The current Peacock agreement, which has made WWE Network’s extensive archive available in the U.S. since 2021, officially expires in late 2025. WWE’s shift to ESPN is part of a broader strategy under parent company TKO Group Holdings to align premium content with top-tier sports platforms[4]. The exact timeline for transitioning the archive isn’t publicly confirmed, but industry insiders anticipate a phased migration shortly after PLE coverage begins on ESPN.
This changeover suggests Peacock will no longer house WWE’s archival content, potentially ending the convenience of having live events and historical programming bundled under one streaming service.
Longtime WWE subscriber and wrestling analyst Carl Stevens commented, “Peacock made WWE’s history easy to binge, especially for those new to the product who wanted background. ESPN will have to invest heavily to offer a comparable experience—or risk fragmenting viewership.”
How to Watch WWE on ESPN Starting Late 2025
Fans wanting to continue watching live WWE events and possibly the archive collection on ESPN should be prepared for changes. The ESPN Unlimited subscription, priced at $29.99 monthly, will provide access to linear sports channels and WWE’s premium content[1][5]. Those who already subscribe to ESPN through certain TV or streaming providers can authenticate their access, but some services like YouTube TV or Xfinity currently don’t support WWE PLE authentication, complicating access for some viewers[5].
Quick Steps to Access on ESPN DTC:
Sign up for ESPN Unlimited directly via ESPN.com or the ESPN app
Authenticate through qualifying pay-TV or streaming providers if available
Access all WWE PLEs live and replays, plus potentially archive material once available
Final Thoughts
The migration of WWE’s legendary video library from Peacock to ESPN represents a significant milestone for the wrestling industry’s streaming landscape. ESPN’s $325 million-per-year deal for live content signals a strong partnership, and the archive acquisition could further boost the platform’s appeal. However, WWE fans may face new hurdles, including higher subscription fees and altered access models.
As one WWE insider concluded, “The goal is to deliver premium wrestling content in the most compelling way possible. There will be bumps in the transition, but having ESPN’s massive reach behind WWE’s legacy is an exciting chapter.”
WWE’s epic history is about to be reintroduced on a new stage, and fans worldwide will be watching closely to see how this next streaming era unfolds.