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ESPN Denies Rumors Regarding WWE Deal - Wrestling Inc.
ESPN said the report was false after SEScoops cited concerns about signups, viewership and provider support for the $1.6 billion WWE package.
- On Tuesday, ESPN Head of Communications Ben Cafardo denied a report from journalist BJ Bethel claiming the network would not renew its WWE deal, stating, "There is no truth to the report that we have decided not to renew."
- ESPN and WWE reached a five-year, $1.6 billion agreement in 2025 to air "premium live events" on ESPN Unlimited, though multiple sources cited "culture and synergy" issues and cable providers' failure to cover app costs.
- Sports fans criticized WWE's prominence during WrestleMania 42 week, contrasting it with coverage of "real" sports like basketball and hockey. Both companies staged mass layoffs this year, underscoring pressure to maximize profit.
- Bethel stood by his report, stating he unsuccessfully attempted to contact ESPN through its support website and email, highlighting tensions in a partnership only one year into its five-year term.
- With four years remaining, industry observers suggest ESPN Unlimited must improve viewership to justify the investment, as analysts cite changes in the "current media market" as a key factor shaping the deal's long-term viability.
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ESPN-WWE Split Report Debunked, Source Never Contacted ESPN
There is no truth to a recent claim regarding WWE’s relationship with ESPN, as a representative of ESPN has made perfectly clear. An ‘exclusive’ from Sescoops claimed that the deal between the two sides, which was signed for $1.6 billion in 2025, faced several problems. The report states, “Multiple sources told SEScoops the deal faced several problems, including the current media market, “culture and synergy” issues between the two companies an…
ESPN Addresses 'Completely False' Rumors About Future WWE Contract After Historic $1.7B Deal
ESPN has strongly denied an SEScoops report stating that it has already decided against renewing its five-year contract with WWE to be the exclusive American home for all Premium Live Events (PLEs).
·San Francisco, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution78% Center
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources are Center
78% Center
L 22%
C 78%
Factuality
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