WWEs $1.625 billion move to ESPN for Premium Live Events in 2026 left fans wondering one big thing what happens to the companys massive video library? Now an update sheds light on where things stand.
Upon launching the WWE Network back in 2014, the companys library of WWE, WCW, and ECW content was one of the main selling points. WWE had spent years buying up video collections to use across different products, but people inside the company have admitted the live shows were always the real draw. Thats why it was easier to license live events compared to archival footage.
Theres still no definitive answer on whether WWEs library will be licensed out after the Peacock deal ends, but insiders have shared some theories. Several sources via Fightful Select believe WWE may use its strong relationship with Google and YouTube to push its archived content there. One source metnioned they see it as a way to hook new fans while keeping flexibility if a massive outside offer comes in. If they get a too good to be true offer for the library, they can always take that, the source explained.
Behind the scenes, WWE already has its library digitized for copyright tracking. From current episodes of Raw to deep cuts like Shotgun Saturday Night in the 90s, nearly everything is stored on their backend system. That makes it easy for WWE to pivot however they want once the Peacock run is done.
The ESPN deal guarantees new events will live on the streaming giants platform starting in 2026, but the fate of WWEs library is still wide open. Whether it lands with ESPN, YouTube, or stays in-house, the next step will decide how generations of wrestling fans experience the companys history moving forward.
WWEs next big broadcast move could end up being even bigger than the ESPN deal itself if the library becomes part of the conversation.
Do you think WWE should sell its library rights to ESPN, keep it exclusive, or shift to You Tube to reach new fans? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
