WWEs $1.625 billion streaming deal with ESPN made headlines for its jaw-dropping price tag, but now TKO COO Mark Shapiro has revealed something even more surprising they actually turned down a higher offer to go with ESPN.
Speaking on the Q2 2025 TKO earnings call, Shapiro made it clear the decision wasnt just about the money. According to him, the ESPN brand power, reach, and strategy won out even if it meant leaving extra cash on the table.
Thats a bold move considering the WWE Premium Live Events package already secured TKO a massive upgrade from their $180 million per year Peacock deal. The new five-year contract with ESPN brings in $325 million annually nearly doubling what WWE previously made.
Shapiro also made it clear they werent about to hand everything over to Netflix, which now hosts Monday Night RAW, noting they didnt want to put all of our eggs in one basket.
While fans will be paying nearly triple $29.99/month for the new ESPN DTC service versus $10.99/month for Peacock TKO insists the strategy is long-term and built for stability. Shapiro also teased that big events like WrestleMania or SummerSlam may air the first hour or two on ESPNs cable channel before switching over to streaming.
Even though the fans are the ones now shouldering a larger financial burden, TKO is banking on ESPNs massive footprint to grow WWEs reach and cement their status in the sports media world.
WWE chose power over a bigger payday and fans are the ones now paying for that vision.
Do you think WWE made the right move choosing ESPN over a higher bidder? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
