Tag: ESPN

WWE Hit With New Class Action Lawsuit Over ESPN Premium Live Events Deal

WWE is facing fresh legal trouble stemming from its high-profile Premium Live Events deal with ESPN, as a new class action lawsuit was officially filed on January 8, 2026. The lawsuit accuses WWE of deceptive marketing practices tied to how access to PLEs was communicated following the 2025 announcement that WWE events would move to ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming platform.

The news was first reported by Brandon Thurston of POST Wrestling, who outlined the core allegations and potential fallout. At the heart of the case is the claim that many fans were led to believe they would automatically receive access to WWE Premium Live Events if they already subscribed to ESPN through cable, satellite, or live TV streaming services — only to later discover they had to pay an additional monthly fee.

What the Lawsuit Is Claiming

According to the filing, customers who already had ESPN through providers like Xfinity or YouTube TV still had to sign up and pay for ESPN DTC in order to watch WWE’s Premium Live Events. The plaintiffs argue this directly contradicts how the deal was publicly described by both WWE and ESPN.

The lawsuit estimates that more than $5 million is tied up in disputed subscription fees. If successful, eligible customers could receive refunds or partial reimbursements. Those represented in the case are ESPN customers who already had access through a TV provider but signed up for ESPN DTC in the lead-up to Wrestlepalooza on September 20, 2025.

Notably, WWE is the only defendant named in the suit. ESPN and its parent company, Disney, were intentionally left out. This move reportedly helps avoid arbitration clauses and class action waivers found in Disney’s terms of service, which also apply to platforms like Disney+.

As of now, neither WWE nor ESPN has issued an official response, though statements are expected as the case develops.

How It All Started

The complaint was filed by Michael Diesa of New Jersey and Rebecca Toback of New York, both of whom say they were misled into paying for access they believed was already included. Toback subscribes to YouTube TV, while Diesa has an Xfinity cable package — both of which already provide ESPN access.

The lawsuit references WWE President Nick Khan’s appearance on the Varsity podcast, where he compared the ESPN deal to WWE’s previous Peacock agreement and suggested there would be no additional charge for existing subscribers. WWE and ESPN’s joint press release announcing the deal is also cited, as it stated ESPN DTC features would be available to anyone already subscribed to ESPN, either directly or through a TV provider.

However, the situation wasn’t uniform across all providers. Customers using DirecTV, Verizon FIOS, and Spectrum reportedly did receive access to WWE events at no extra cost due to separate agreements with Disney. That inconsistency is a major reason why only certain subscribers qualify for the class action.

Why the Case Matters

The plaintiffs acknowledge that individual payouts may only be around $30 or slightly more if they win. Still, the bigger issue is scale. Estimates suggest between 95,000 and 125,000 users signed up for ESPN DTC around Wrestlepalooza, potentially generating millions in additional revenue. That’s on top of WWE’s reported average of $325 million per year from its ESPN deal.

Whether the lawsuit succeeds or not, it shines a spotlight on how major media rights deals are marketed to fans — especially as streaming, cable, and hybrid subscription models continue to overlap. For WWE, it’s another off-screen storyline to manage as scrutiny around its business practices remains as intense as ever.

WWE Confirms Premium Live Events Jumping to ESPN’s New Streaming Service Sooner Than Expected – WrestlePalooza In Indianapolis Set as First Show 9/20/2025

WWE’s deal with ESPN is kicking in way earlier than fans thought. Instead of waiting until 2026, WWE announced this week that its Premium Live Events (PLEs) will move to ESPN’s brand-new direct-to-consumer streaming service immediately following Clash in Paris. That event, set for August 31, will mark the final WWE PLE airing on Peacock in the United States.

The shift comes after WWE reportedly hit its PLE quota with Peacock. According to Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline, the extra day of SummerSlam plus shows like Evolution helped WWE fulfill its contractual obligations ahead of schedule. What isn’t clear yet is where the massive WWE library—including decades of pay-per-views, documentaries, and specials—will end up once the Peacock deal fully wraps.

Starting August 21, fans can subscribe to ESPN’s DTC platform, with WWE events included under the “Unlimited Plan.” Select shows will also simulcast on ESPN’s linear TV channels, giving PLEs more visibility outside of just streaming.

And WWE isn’t wasting any time launching the new era. The company confirmed WrestlePalooza for September 20 at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Not only is this the long-rumored counter to AEW’s All Out weekend, but it also marks the very first WWE PLE to air exclusively on ESPN’s streaming service.

For fans, this raises plenty of questions about accessibility, costs, and how the ESPN subscription tiers will affect viewing. But one thing is certain: WWE is making another big play to expand its reach, and ESPN is putting wrestling front-and-center as it launches its next big digital project.

ESPN provided further information on its DTC service page outlining the subscription packages.

WWE Premium Live Events Could Land On ESPN Much Sooner Than Expected

The streaming home for WWE’s biggest shows may be changing a lot earlier than fans thought.

While WWE’s $1.6 billion deal with ESPN isn’t scheduled to officially kick in until 2026, new reports suggest the company could begin shifting Premium Live Events (PLEs) from Peacock to ESPN’s streaming service as soon as next month.

On the latest Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez hinted that the transition could already be in motion. “I’m hearing we may have ESPN going forward,” Alvarez said, adding that the September 20th Wrestlepalooza event — rumored to be headlined by John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar — may serve as the first major test run for the new partnership.

WWE’s current deal with Peacock doesn’t expire until March 2026, but Alvarez pointed out a key detail that could explain the early exit: event quotas. According to him, WWE may have already satisfied its contracted number of shows with Peacock. The addition of extra events — such as the second night of SummerSlam and the Evolution special — could mean WWE has already gone beyond its required obligations, freeing them up to pivot to ESPN early.

If true, the shift would mark a significant moment in WWE’s media landscape. ESPN brings a wider sports-focused audience and potentially more crossover visibility for WWE’s product, while Peacock subscribers could be left adjusting to the change much sooner than expected.

Nothing has been made official yet, but the possibility of WWE’s biggest matches — like Cena vs. Lesnar — being part of ESPN’s streaming lineup in 2024 is a game-changer for fans and for the company’s future direction.

WWE Strikes Blockbuster Streaming Deal with Disney – Premium Live Events Heading to ESPN Streaming Service in 2026

A major shift is coming to how U.S. wrestling fans will watch WWE’s biggest shows. Beginning in 2026, WWE’s premium live events (PLEs) will stream exclusively on a brand-new direct-to-consumer platform from Disney-owned ESPN. The deal is reportedly worth a staggering $1.6 billion over five years, averaging $325 million annually, according to reports from The Wall Street Journal and CNBC.

That means starting with WrestleMania 42, fans will need to subscribe to ESPN’s upcoming streaming service to catch all major WWE events, including Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank. The price tag? $29.99 per month—or $299.99 for the year—a significant increase compared to the current setup on Peacock.

Disney Dives Into the Ring

The move marks WWE’s exit from its current deal with NBCUniversal’s Peacock, which began in March 2021 and reportedly brought in around $900 million over its term. That deal included both WWE’s live events and its massive video library. At this point, it’s unclear whether the Disney deal includes the WWE Network archives.

While the full scope of content hasn’t been confirmed, ESPN did announce that select WWE events will also air on its linear TV networks—potentially giving casual viewers a taste of WWE’s top-tier programming without a streaming subscription.

“This agreement, which features the most significant WWE events of the year, bolsters our unprecedented content portfolio and helps drive our streaming future,” said ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, adding that WWE’s “immense, devoted and passionate fan base” was a key reason behind the partnership.

What’s Staying, What’s Changing

WWE’s SmackDown will remain on the USA Network, and replays of weekly programming will still be available on Peacock for the time being. However, if you’re a fan who tunes in for the big shows—the ones that define WWE’s calendar year—you’ll need to adjust your subscription habits by 2026.

WrestleMania 42 Ushers in a New Era

This deal kicks off with WrestleMania 42, signaling the start of a new era for WWE’s distribution strategy in the U.S. With a direct-to-consumer model, ESPN and WWE are betting big on loyal fans being willing to pay a premium for exclusive access.

For WWE, the move is a financial windfall. For fans, it’s a shake-up—one that could lead to deeper content, more mainstream exposure, but also a higher monthly bill.

Triple H on WWE/ESPN deal

WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque appeared on Wednesday’s episode of Get Up on ESPN.

Triple stated the PLE’s on ESPN will be more of a spectacle than they have been.

“There’s nothing bigger, there’s no bigger opportunity for us than this right now…Nick and I have been thinking about it for a long time, of it is the right home for it. It’s something that we’ve been trying to work through for a long time. Jimmy Pitaro making it happen, it’s thrilling for us. Can’t be more excited…from my point of view, nobody does large-scale, massive events like ESPN. Super Bowl, all of it, right? It’s what you do. And it’s what we like to think we do better than anybody else on the planet,” he said. “So this is the perfect marriage. When we get together, things like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble are going to be bigger than ever. They’re going to be more of a spectacle than ever before. And we’re going to light the world on fire.”

Pat McAfee Faces Potential Legal Trouble Over Controversial Comments on His Show

Pat McAfee, known for stirring up controversy both as a WWE commentator and ESPN host, is once again in hot water—this time over comments made on The Pat McAfee Show that could lead to legal consequences.

The situation stems from a February 26 episode of McAfee’s show, where he and his co-hosts discussed an online rumor involving an Ole Miss college student allegedly having an affair with her boyfriend’s father. While McAfee didn’t mention the student by name, The Athletic has since identified her as 18-year-old freshman Mary Kate Cornett, a business major with no ties to sports.

The discussion happened during a segment with NFL insider Adam Schefter, who was covering Ole Miss quarterback and NFL Draft prospect Jackson Dart. Despite no apparent connection between Dart and Cornett, the rumor gained traction after McAfee’s show addressed it. Former NFL receiver Antonio Brown, personalities from Barstool Sports, and ESPN St. Louis radio host Doug Vaughn further amplified the story, leading to widespread social media harassment directed at Cornett, her boyfriend, and her family. The harassment escalated to the point that Cornett had to relocate to emergency housing.

Cornett has since hired attorney Monica Uddin and is pursuing legal action against McAfee, ESPN, and potentially others involved. Speaking on the ordeal, Cornett expressed how deeply the situation has affected her life.

“I would like people to be held accountable for what they’ve done,” she said. “You’re ruining my life by talking about it on your show for nothing but attention, but here I am staying up until 5 in the morning, every night, throwing up, not eating because I’m so anxious about what’s going to happen for the rest of my life.”

As of now, neither McAfee nor ESPN have responded to the controversy. With legal action on the horizon, this situation could have serious consequences for McAfee’s media career—not to mention his role with WWE.

Stephanie McMahon’s ESPN+ Series “Stephanie’s Places” Set to Debut on March 26

Stephanie McMahon is stepping back into the WWE spotlight—but not in the boardroom. Instead, she’s set to launch her own interview series, Stephanie’s Places, which will premiere on ESPN+ on Wednesday, March 26. The ten-episode series is produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, alongside ESPN and WWE, and will feature McMahon sitting down with some of the biggest names in wrestling history.

With Stephanie’s Places, McMahon will take a page out of Manning’s playbook, mirroring his Manning’s Places series by exploring the personal and professional journeys of WWE’s top stars in locations that hold significance for them.

“WWE has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” McMahon said. “I’m looking forward to having viewers join me as we visit some of the most iconic stars of past and present, in places of meaning for them, and hear how they overcame adversity to become who they are today.”

Star-Studded Lineup for Season One

The series will kick off with a blockbuster first episode, as Stephanie McMahon sits down with CM Punk in an interview recorded just before WWE SummerSlam 2024 in Cleveland. Given Punk’s tumultuous history with WWE and his shocking return last year, this conversation is sure to turn heads.

Other major WWE names set to appear throughout the season include:

  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes
  • Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley
  • WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
  • Charlotte Flair
  • Roman Reigns and The Bloodline
  • Pat McAfee
  • The Undertaker
  • Triple H (McMahon’s husband and WWE’s Chief Content Officer)

The season finale, airing May 28, will be one of the most emotional episodes, as McMahon interviews John Cena. With Cena inching closer to retirement, the episode will serve as a reflection on his legendary career and his impact on WWE.

A Unique Look at WWE’s Biggest Names

While WWE programming is no stranger to documentaries and behind-the-scenes specials, Stephanie’s Places offers a fresh, intimate perspective. Rather than focusing solely on in-ring careers, McMahon’s series will explore personal struggles, triumphs, and the roads that led these superstars to where they are today.

With its mix of nostalgia, storytelling, and insight from some of the biggest names in wrestling, Stephanie’s Places is shaping up to be must-watch content for WWE fans.

WWE Personality Pat McAfee Reportedly Likely To Move His Show To ESPN

Pat McAfee may be looking to deepen his relationship with ESPN. McAfee, of course, took a step back from his WWE commentator duties last September to fill an analyst role at ESPN for “College Gameday.” Now, The New York Post reports that McAfee seems likely to strike a deal with ESPN to bring his daily talk show, “The Pat McAfee Show,” to their platform as well.

In December 2021, McAfee signed a four-year deal with FanDuel to sponsor his show for $30 million a year. McAfee had a clause that allowed him to opt out of the contract after three years, but The New York Post recently reported that McAfee had contemplated walking out on his current endorsement deal early. As McAfee seems to close in on an exit from FanDuel, he has begun exploring potential new homes for his show. ESPN has been cited as the “leading candidate,” but as of now, no deal has been finalized.

While McAfee continues discussions with ESPN, network executives are reportedly wanting a guaranteed profit on the deal, as they and their parent company of Disney are in the process of laying off thousands of employees. As McAfee’s search for a professional home continues, his personal home recently welcomed a new addition. Last week, McAfee announced that his wife, Samantha, had given birth to their first child. The couple has been open about their previous troubles with fertility. After enduring surgery, blood tests, and about 150 shots, Samantha finally conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and on May 4, their daughter arrived.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Reportedly In Renewed Talks With ESPN Following Endeavor Deal

The question of WWE’s TV rights following news of the WWE-UFC Merger have been a subject of speculation, and it seems a first move for the post-merger WWE is in motion. According to PWInsider Elite, WWE is in talks with ESPN to collaborate on new projects moving forward. The biggest caveat being that, for the time being, these talks do not involve a weekly TV series.

A collaboration between WWE and ESPN wouldn’t be the first for the companies, as ESPN was airing classic WWE content in 2020. The relationship between the two ended after WWE’s deal to migrate WWE Network content to Peacock in 2021. Speculation at the time held that NBCUniversal was a probable candidate for an eventual sale of WWE, due to the large portion of WWE’s content on various NBCU platforms.

However, it seems with the WWE-UFC Merger that WWE may be looking to diversify its TV presence. WWE’s TV rights with both NBCU and FOX are up next year. Reporting holds that WWE is open to all conversations on new TV deals, barring somebody paying a lofty sum for exclusive TV rights for the various WWE shows. 

Another interesting piece of information from the report is the news that another promotion was in talks with ESPN. Despite AEW’s recent deal with ESPN to air their programming in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, it is confirmed that AEW is not the promotion in question. Which promotion was in talks with ESPN is unknown, but it can be assumed with WWE stepping back in that those talks are in jeopardy.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

ESPN Secures Exclusive Broadcast Rights To AEW In Major Overseas Deal

All Elite Wrestling and ESPN announced a major partnership on Thursday, which will see Dynamite, Rampage and AEW pay-per-view events made available to ESPN subscribers in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

You can check out an excerpt from the press release below:

“ESPN announced that it has secured exclusive broadcast rights to top American professional wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW), bringing its premium matches and entertainment to ESPN subscribers in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands starting February 16.

Each week on ESPN, fans in the region can catch all the action on “AEW: DYNAMITE” on Thursday AEDT, and “AEW: RAMPAGE” on Saturday AEDT, with same-day replays and episodes made available on-demand. In addition, through ESPN, fans will have access to all of AEW’s quarterly pay-per-view events on delay: REVOLUTION, DOUBLE OR NOTHING, ALL OUT and FULL GEAR.

AEW will be available on ESPN in the following locations: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Niue, Nauru, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Northern Marianas, Tokelau, Tahiti, Tuvalu, New Caledonia, American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, and Wallis and Futuna.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CoduIjXIRRp/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=52edfa2f-9aef-471d-9e0b-a354e51bad0a

Starting on Thursday, February 16th, AEW Dynamite will air on AEDT and Rampage will air on Saturdays AEDT with episodes available via same-day replays and on-demand as well.

Source: eWrestlingNews

Pat McAfee joining ESPN’s College GameDay

Pat McAfee has landed another gig as he has signed a full-time deal with ESPN.

The former NFL punter will help host “College GameDay,” which is a show about college football that airs every Saturday morning during the football season.

The news was first reported by the New York Post. It has since been confirmed by McAfee.

McAfee said today on his podcast/radio show that he will be putting his SmackDown duties on hold during the college football season but he is still part of the WWE family.

McAfee said that he was thinking about doing both gigs at the same time but it’s tough for him to keep up with the travel schedule and WWE suggested for him to take the time away and he could return when the time is right.

“Now one of our guys is on College GameDay,” McAfee said in regards to a text message he got from an “OG” from WWE after praising the company on his show.

Triple H tweeted the following:

@PatMcAfeeShow approached us about his amazing opportunity with College GameDay. We’d never stand in Pat’s way, as he continues to architect his exceptional career. Pat will remain a member of the @WWE  Universe and we look forward to his return. #UpToSomethingSZN”

Source: WrestlingNews.co