ESPN and WWE's splurge could change sports entertainment landscape

The world of sports and entertainment recently got a major shakeup. 

ESPN and WWE announced a landmark rights deal on Aug. 6 that will make ESPN the exclusive U.S. domestic home for all WWE Premium Live Events starting in 2026, including the two-night spectacle WrestleMania. This isn’t just a media rights deal — it’s a sign of the times, where the line between traditional sports and sports entertainment is blurring like never before.

For a while, WWE events were primarily available on Peacock in the U.S., with the streaming service becoming the go-to platform for millions of fans. Now, ESPN — a titan of sports broadcasting — is taking the reins. This move could bring WWE into a bigger spotlight with a new audience that may not traditionally follow wrestling but tunes into ESPN for its sports fix.

What could this mean going forward? First, the exposure for WWE is poised to grow exponentially. ESPN’s reach, especially with its new direct-to-consumer streaming service, means WWE events will be accessible across more platforms and devices. It also raises the question: Will Peacock lose WWE content altogether, or is there room for a partnership that spans both platforms? Time will tell.

Another exciting possibility lies in the crossover potential. ESPN is home to some of the biggest sports personalities, including Stephen A. Smith, who has openly expressed interest in joining WWE’s ranks in some capacity. 

During a "First Take" segment with WWE’s Roman Reigns on Aug. 6, Smith hinted at the idea of becoming a manager in the WWE, similar to Paul Heyman, WWE’s legendary advocate and voice.