Posted on 8/06/125 by Bob Magee
Wrestling Observer.com reports more contract information on
the deal that will see WWE premium live events will air on
ESPN in the United States as part of their new streaming
service.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the deal is reportedly
for $1.6 billion over five years ($325 million per year). An
official start date was not announced, but it is believed to
be starting next April’s WrestleMania from Las Vegas.
“Select events” will also be simulcast on ESPN’s linear
networks. The deal may also include ESPN streaming both pre
and post shows for those PLEs. WWE will also continue to
produce all events.
The new ESPN streaming service launches on August 21st at
$29.99 per month or $300 per year, meaning WWE fans who
stream only will need to pay more than they were with
Peacock.
It's important to note that those with existing access to
ESPN through a traditional cable/satellite package will get
access to the new service at no additional cost through
login authentication. In English, if you have access to ESPN
via cable or satellite, you'll get the new direct to cable
service.
This was confirmed by The Observer and Alex Sherman of CNBC,
who said "If you get ESPN in your cable bundle, you’ll
get ESPN d-to-c. ESPN doesn’t want you canceling cable —
digital or traditional."
What it NOT clear is accessibility to archive content.
Lightshed Partners’ Brandon Ross speculated that Netflix may
want to grab those rights. He also noted NXT PLEs are not in
the deal, leaving another asset for TKO to get TV rights
for.