WWEs billion-dollar streaming deal with ESPN has fans fuming but according to WWE President Nick Khan, this was just smart business.
Speaking on The Varsity podcast with John Ourand, Khan addressed why WWE moved its Premium Live Events off Peacock and onto ESPNs new $29.99-per-month platform, nearly tripling the current price. For Khan, it all comes down to WWEs elite status in the sports media economy.
Khan explained that the current media rights landscape mirrors the broader U.S. economy where premium content commands top dollar, and anything less gets left behind.
While fans may be frustrated by the dramatic price hike, WWE is seeing nothing but dollar signs. The ESPN deal is worth $1.625 billion over five years $325 million annually nearly doubling what WWE earned annually from Peacock. Its a huge leap in revenue, but that leap is landing right on the wallets of loyal fans.
For now, SmackDown remains on USA Network until 2029 and RAW has already jumped to Netflix. But the biggest WWE events WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series are going premium in price and platform starting in 2026.
WWE might not be in the middle, but many fans are now stuck between their love for the product and a steep monthly fee to keep up.
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What do you think of Nick Khans justification for the ESPN deal? Is WWE worth $29.99 a month to you? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
