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Indianapolis, IN - In a landmark agreement, world Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and ESPN announced today that all WWE Premium live Events (PLEs) will move to ESPN platforms beginning September 20, 2025. This shift, occurring earlier than previously projected, marks a significant change in how fans access major wrestling events in the United States.
The Dawn of a New Era: Wrestlepalooza
The inaugural event under this new partnership will be Wrestlepalooza, taking place on Saturday, September 20, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The venue previously hosted the 2025 royal Rumble, setting an all-time attendance record. Wrestlepalooza will be available via live stream on ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
This move consolidates ESPN as the exclusive U.S. domestic home for all WWE PLEs for subscribers to the ESPN DTC unlimited plan. upcoming events include Crown Jewel on October 11 and Survivor Series on November 29.
Star-Studded Lineup and Historic Farewell
Wrestlepalooza boasts a powerhouse lineup featuring John Cena, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky lynch, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre. Notably, this event will be John Cena’s final wrestling match in Indianapolis, adding a poignant layer to the event. On September 20, WWE and ESPN are coming together for a can’t-miss event to kick off our new partnership,”
stated Paul ”Triple H” Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer. The biggest superstars in WWE. The biggest brand in sports media. Are you ready?
Did You Know?
The move to ESPN platforms represents a strategic shift for WWE, aiming to broaden its reach and tap into ESPN’s extensive subscriber base. This partnership is expected to considerably impact the accessibility and viewership of WWE’s premium events. According to Nielsen, live sports programming consistently drives high engagement, and WWE PLEs are poised to benefit from this trend. [1]
Ticket and Access Details
Tickets for Wrestlepalooza go on sale Friday, august 22, at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT via Ticketmaster. A presale begins tomorrow, Thursday, August 21, at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m.PT. Fans seeking a premium experience can explore Wrestlepalooza Priority Pass packages through WWE’s partner, On Location, offering exclusive seating, hospitality events, and photo opportunities.
| event | Date | Location | Streaming Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrestlepalooza | September 20, 2025 | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis | ESPN DTC |
| Crown Jewel | October 11, 2025 | TBD | ESPN DTC |
| Survivor Series | November 29, 2025 | TBD | ESPN DTC |
ESPN’s Streaming Expansion
ESPN will launch its new direct-to-consumer streaming service and an enhanced ESPN App on Thursday, August 21. The service will stream all WWE PLEs annually, with select events simulcast on ESPN’s linear television channels. Major events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam, both two-night spectacles, will be included. This partnership will allow us to deliver WWE’s compelling content to a wider audience than ever before,
an ESPN spokesperson noted.
Pro tip:
To maximize your viewing experience,ensure your ESPN+ subscription is updated to the unlimited plan to access all WWE PLEs. Check the ESPN website for detailed information on pricing and available packages.
Further information on ESPN DTC options and pricing can be found at stream.espn.com.
What does this partnership mean for the future of wrestling viewership? And how will ESPN leverage WWE content to attract new subscribers to its streaming service?
The Evolving Landscape of Sports Entertainment
The move of WWE PLEs to ESPN signifies a broader trend of sports entertainment seeking wider distribution through streaming platforms. This shift is driven by changing consumer habits and the increasing demand for on-demand content. The rise of streaming has fundamentally altered the media landscape, as highlighted in a recent report by Deloitte. [2] This partnership is highly likely to set a precedent for other sports leagues and entertainment companies looking to maximize their reach and revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a WWE Premium live Event? A WWE PLE is a major wrestling event that is typically available for purchase on pay-per-view, now exclusively on ESPN+.
- How can I watch Wrestlepalooza? Wrestlepalooza will stream live on the ESPN DTC streaming service.
- What is the ESPN DTC unlimited plan? This is a subscription tier that provides access to all WWE PLEs, along with other ESPN content.
- will any WWE PLEs still be shown on traditional ESPN channels? Select marquee events might potentially be simulcast on ESPN linear platforms.
- Where can I buy tickets for Wrestlepalooza? tickets are available through Ticketmaster and Priority Pass packages through On Location.
We’re excited to bring you thorough coverage of this groundbreaking partnership. Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for the latest updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analysis. Share this article with fellow wrestling fans and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!