ESPN ‘certainly would’ be interested in bidding for WWE library rights
ESPN would be interested in hosting WWE’s back catalogue on its new streaming service if the opportunity arises.
Last week, it was announced that WWE and ESPN have entered into a new partnership that will see WWE’s main roster PLEs move from Peacock to ESPN in 2026. The PLEs will air on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service with select events also being simulcast on ESPN’s TV network.
The rights to WWE’s library content are not part of the deal, and it’s not yet known where the library will be hosted in the United States after the Peacock deal expires in March 2026. The Hollywood Reporter noted that, while Netflix or ESPN make the most sense, anything is on the table.
While appearing on The Ringer’s Press Box podcast, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro was asked if he would be interested in bidding on the WWE library in the future.
“Yeah, we’re always interested in content of that quality,” Pitaro responded. “I will tell you that we will have the archival rights for the events that we are airing, but yes, in terms of their library, we certainly would be interested if and when those rights are available.”
Pitaro said one of the benefits of the PLE deal is that the WWE events will help ESPN fill some holes on the sports calendar and keep people subscribed to the new streaming service.
“One of the things that we are focused on from a direct-to-consumer perspective is churn and minimizing churn,” Pitaro said. “And when we first started to look at these premium [live] events, we immediately thought of the calendar and the fact that these events could help us plug in some holes, some gaps that we might have in our schedule and thereby minimize churn.”
Pitaro said he believes WWE would be willing to work with ESPN on scheduling if there are any gaps he needs to fill.
“I would also say that the executives at the WWE have been very clear with us that they are willing to work with us in terms of scheduling,” he said. “So no commitments and they’re producing these events, but I would expect that if I were to call Nick Khan and say, ‘Hey, can you work with me? We have a particular gap here in our schedule.’ I expect he will.”
Pitaro called it “incredibly exciting” to have events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam on the new streaming service, saying that entertainment has always been part of ESPN’s brand.
The PLE deal is reportedly worth $1.6 billion over five years, meaning WWE receives $325 million per year.
ESPN’s streaming service will cost $29.99 per month or $300 per year, though at least some viewers will receive the service at no extra charge if they already pay for ESPN through a TV provider.
