WWEs massive $1.6 billion partnership with ESPN kicks off this weekend at WrestlePalooza 2025, marking the start of an exclusive U.S. streaming deal for all Premium Live Events. While ESPN is said to be thrilled about the partnership, WWE is reportedly treading carefully behind the scenesand the reason comes down to concerns about fan confusion.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on WrestleBinge, the sports entertainment giant is being cautious as it prepares to shift its fanbase over to a new streaming experience. The first Premium Live Event under this deal, WrestlePalooza, will stream on ESPN Unlimited, not the more familiar ESPN+ platform. That detail alone could cause serious confusion among fans trying to figure out where and how to watch.
In the U.S., fans will need to pay $29.99 to access the show through ESPN Unlimited. Meanwhile, international viewersincluding those in Indiawill still be able to stream the event as usual on Netflix.
The backstage concern from WWE stems from the layout and accessibility of the ESPN app ecosystem. Since ESPN Unlimited isnt as widely used or understood as ESPN+, the company is being deliberate with how it approaches this launch. WWE doesnt want fans frustrated or alienated in their first experience under the new deal.
This caution isnt without precedent. WWE has dealt with streaming headaches before, including the early days of the WWE Network and its eventual move to Peacock in the United States. With a new chapter beginning under the ESPN banner, theyre hoping to avoid the same growing painsespecially with a $1.6 billion deal in play.
Are you ready for WWEs ESPN era, or are you confused by the ESPN Unlimited rollout? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
