Tag: ESPN

ESPN Pushes Back On Report Claiming WWE Deal Won’t Be Renewed

A report suggesting ESPN has already decided against renewing its WWE streaming agreement is being strongly disputed by the network.

Earlier this week, SEScoops reported that ESPN was not expected to renew its multi-billion-dollar deal with WWE when the agreement expires in 2030. The report cited concerns regarding subscriber growth, the current media landscape, and an alleged lack of synergy between the two companies.

However, an ESPN executive has publicly denied those claims.

ESPN Executive Calls Report “Completely False”

Ben Cafardo, ESPN’s head of WWE Premium Live Events and several other major properties, addressed the report on social media and rejected the notion that ESPN has already made a decision about the future of its WWE partnership.

“There is no truth to this.”

Cafardo also criticized the reporting process behind the story.

“They never checked with us before publishing and had they, we would have told them that was completely false.”

The ESPN executive’s comments directly contradict the claims that the network has already determined it will not pursue a new agreement with WWE once the current deal concludes.

SEScoops Stands By Its Reporting

Following Cafardo’s response, SEScoops writer BJ Bethel defended the report and stated that he continues to stand by the story.

Bethel said he attempted to reach ESPN for comment through available company channels before publication and noted that he had previously communicated with Cafardo.

Despite ESPN’s public denial, SEScoops has not retracted the report.

Questions Continue Around ESPN Unlimited

The debate comes amid ongoing discussion surrounding ESPN Unlimited, the streaming platform that became the home of WWE Premium Live Events following the landmark agreement announced in August 2025.

The deal, reportedly worth more than $1 billion, moved WWE’s premium events to ESPN Unlimited beginning with Wrestlepalooza.

Recent reports have focused on subscription numbers for the service, particularly after ESPN announced a price increase earlier this week.

The original SEScoops story suggested concerns over subscriber growth and distribution were contributing factors behind ESPN’s reported dissatisfaction with the partnership.

Similar Rumors Surfaced In 2025

This is not the first time speculation has emerged regarding the WWE-ESPN relationship.

In late 2025, former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. claimed ESPN was experiencing buyer’s remorse over the agreement due to subscriber expectations not being met.

At the time, sources from both WWE and ESPN pushed back on those claims.

No Official Indication Of Trouble

For now, there is no official evidence that ESPN plans to end its relationship with WWE when the current contract expires.

With the partnership only entering its second year of a five-year agreement, both companies continue to work together on WWE Premium Live Events and related programming.

While conflicting reports have created speculation about the future, ESPN’s public position remains clear: reports claiming the network has already decided against renewing the WWE deal are inaccurate.

Report: ESPN Unlikely To Renew WWE Streaming Deal Beyond 2030

A new report suggests the long-term future of WWE’s relationship with ESPN could be in doubt.

According to SEScoops, ESPN is not currently expected to renew its agreement with WWE when the company’s streaming rights deal expires in 2030, potentially forcing WWE to find a new home for its premium live events.

WWE-ESPN Partnership Facing Uncertain Future

WWE and ESPN announced a landmark partnership in 2025 that brought WWE premium live events to the ESPN Unlimited streaming platform as part of a five-year deal reportedly worth more than $1 billion.

At the time, the agreement was viewed as a major win for both companies, giving ESPN a marquee entertainment property while providing WWE with another lucrative media rights package.

However, according to the report, sources familiar with the situation believe ESPN has grown less enthusiastic about the partnership due to several factors.

Among the issues reportedly cited are:

  • Changes in the overall media landscape
  • ESPN Unlimited not gaining the level of cable distribution originally expected
  • A perceived lack of cultural fit and synergy between WWE and ESPN

The report claims the original agreement was largely negotiated between executives at TKO and Disney, with limited direct involvement between WWE and ESPN personnel during the early stages of the partnership.

ESPN Has Increased WWE Promotion

Despite the reported concerns, communication between the two sides is said to have improved significantly in recent months.

ESPN has reportedly become more aggressive in promoting WWE programming, including airing portions of premium live events across ESPN platforms and dedicating more discussion time to WWE on its studio shows.

That increased coverage has not gone unnoticed.

According to the report, WWE has received more discussion on some ESPN morning programs in 2026 than traditional sports properties such as Major League Baseball and the NHL, leading to criticism from some viewers and media observers.

Subscription Numbers Reportedly A Key Issue

The report comes shortly after ESPN announced another price increase for ESPN Unlimited subscriptions.

Sources reportedly believe the move is tied to the service falling short of internal projections.

ESPN and Disney had hoped the streaming platform would help offset declining cable revenues, but that goal has reportedly not materialized to the extent expected.

As a result, ESPN has shifted strategy by making WWE content more accessible and promoting it more heavily, whereas WWE premium live events were initially viewed as a major incentive designed to drive new subscriptions.

Deal Could Still Be Saved

While the report paints a challenging picture, it also notes that a future agreement remains possible.

For that to happen, ESPN Unlimited would likely need to see a significant increase in subscribers or secure broader cable distribution under terms favorable to ESPN.

At this stage, neither development appears guaranteed.

Similar Concerns Surfaced In 2025

This is not the first time questions have been raised about the WWE-ESPN partnership.

In late 2025, actor and former WWE writer Freddie Prinze Jr. claimed ESPN was experiencing buyer’s remorse over the deal due to lower-than-expected subscription growth.

Those claims were later denied by sources from both WWE and ESPN.

As of now, neither company has publicly commented on the latest report.

With four years still remaining on the current agreement, there is plenty of time for the situation to change. However, if the report proves accurate, WWE may eventually find itself searching for a new streaming partner when its ESPN Unlimited deal expires in 2030.

Report: ESPN Requested WWE Add More Matches To Premium Live Events

WWE’s Premium Live Events have become known for featuring smaller match cards in recent years, but a new report suggests one of the company’s broadcast partners would like to see more action included on future shows.

According to WrestleVotes via Fightful Select, ESPN requested that WWE add more matches to Night of Champions, which took place last month in Saudi Arabia. The report states that ESPN wanted the event’s main broadcast to feature six matches, leading WWE to expand the card beyond the four- and five-match format that has become common for many PLEs.

The request reportedly focused on the paid portion of the broadcast, not the free first hour that airs on ESPN before the main show begins.

Night of Champions ultimately featured six matches on the main card, making it one of the more stacked PLE lineups WWE has presented this year. The event included both the men’s and women’s King of the Ring tournament finals, several championship matches, and a historic main event that saw Sami Zayn capture the Undisputed WWE Championship for the first time in his career.

The report is notable because WWE has largely moved away from lengthy PLE cards outside of its biggest annual events. In 2026, only Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, Backlash, and Clash in Italy featured between four and five matches, while WrestleMania and Night of Champions were the only events to include six or more bouts.

Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber traditionally dedicate significant portions of their runtime to the signature matches that give the events their names, which naturally limits the number of additional contests that can be featured. However, WWE’s overall trend toward shorter cards has been a noticeable shift compared to previous eras.

The report could indicate that ESPN sees value in presenting more matches during the premium portion of WWE events, particularly as the partnership between the two companies continues to grow.

Over the last year, WWE and ESPN have worked closely together on a variety of promotional initiatives. Numerous WWE stars have appeared across ESPN programming to promote upcoming events, while crossover appearances have become increasingly common. One recent example saw Danhausen become involved in ESPN coverage surrounding the New York Knicks’ NBA Championship pursuit.

It remains to be seen whether WWE will continue expanding its PLE cards moving forward, but if ESPN’s request carries weight, fans could see more matches featured on future premium live event broadcasts.

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.