As WWE gears up for its massive transition to ESPN’s new streaming platform in 2026, many fans have expressed confusion about how the pricing and content model will work. In a report by Mike Johnson at PWInsider.com, several important clarifications have emerged regarding what viewers can expect and what’s still uncertain.

Pricing Structure: WWE Events Included in Base ESPN Subscription

Contrary to assumptions that WWE fans might need to pay an additional fee for premium live events (PLEs) on top of a base ESPN subscription—similar to how UFC pay-per-views work on ESPN+, that will not be the case.

The monthly cost for the new ESPN streaming platform will be $29.99, or $299.99 per year, and WWE’s major events will be included at no extra charge. This makes it a more inclusive model than UFC’s, which often requires an additional per-event purchase.

ESPN has also confirmed on their website that cable subscribers will have access to the new ESPN app using their existing Pay TV login credentials. Their official statement reads:

“Yes. ESPN will continue to be distributed via Pay TV providers. Pay TV subscribers will have access to the enhanced features within the ESPN App via their Pay TV subscriptions.”

However, it remains unclear whether that access will extend to WWE content for cable subscribers or if additional authentication tiers will be required. Those details are expected to be clarified closer to launch.

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What’s Included in the ESPN Deal

The ESPN package will include:

• Ten WWE premium live events per year, including major shows like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, and the Royal Rumble.
• Pre-show and post-show coverage for those events, though ESPN has yet to detail how extensive these companion programs will be.
• Select WWE events airing on ESPN’s linear cable network, though which ones will be included has not been finalized.

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What’s Not Included

While the new deal significantly expands WWE’s domestic reach, it does not include several key content areas that fans have grown accustomed to on Peacock:

• NXT premium live events
• Archive content from WWE Network, including the libraries of WCW, ECW, and World Class Championship Wrestling
• AAA content, which is currently streamed on YouTube

Currently, WWE’s NXT PLEs remain on Peacock domestically and air on Netflix internationally. The WWE Network archive is also still hosted by Peacock in the U.S., though that deal is set to expire. There is no confirmation yet on whether ESPN or another provider—such as Netflix or Peacock—will pick up the rights to the archives moving forward.

It’s also worth noting that WWE is still in the process of acquiring AAA, and as such, those live events are not yet integrated into WWE’s ecosystem and are unlikely to be licensed out before the purchase is finalized.

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Potential New Platforms for Classic Content

WWE has started to repackage its vast video library under the “Vault” brand on YouTube, including content from both WWE and WCW. According to PWInsider, plans are in motion to eventually include ECW material and potentially spin up additional vault channels in the near future.

This could signal a broader digital pivot for WWE’s historical content, especially if no major streaming partner picks up the legacy rights. Still, the future of the beloved WWE Network archive remains uncertain as the Peacock deal winds down.