WWE changed how their product was watched forever with the launch of the WWE Network in 2014. At just $9.99 a month, fans could catch every WWE pay-per-view along with thousands of hours of past content in their library. The WWE Network is now no more, with international audiences getting not just Raw, but SmackDown and PLEs through Netflix, while fans in the United States have been getting WWE PLEs and library content on Peacock. However, thanks to a new streaming rights deal, WWE PLEs on Peacock came to an end with Clash in Paris. Starting with Wrestlepalooza on September 20, all main roster WWE PLEs will air on the new ESPN direct-to-consumer service, which started in August. But just how do you get it, and how much does it cost? And for certain fans, how can you actually get ESPN for free?
What Is ESPN’s Direct-To-Consumer Service?
- ESPN’s streaming service will have all of the traditional ESPN networks.
- NXT PLEs and Saturday Night’s Main Event will be on Peacock.
- WWE’s library could possibly end up on YouTube as part of the WWE Vault.
With cable television continuing to lose a huge number of subscribers, and streaming becoming how most of us watch content, ESPN launched an all-new direct-to-consumer streaming service on August 21. To sign up for it, go to plus.espn.com.
On the ESPN DTC app, sports fans will have access to all the traditional ESPN networks, along with sports networks owned by the company. This includes not just ESPN and its spinoffs, but the likes of the SEC and ACC Networks as well.
For WWE fans in the United States, it’s also where all future PLEs will air. Raw, SmackDown, and NXT will continue on in their usual homes, and NXT PLEs, along with Saturday Night’s Main Event, will stay on Peacock (NBC will no longer broadcast the latter). As for WWE’s immense library, there is talk that it could become part of YouTube and the popular WWE Vault Channel, but ESPN’s chairman says that they are interested in obtaining it as well.
How Much Does The New ESPN App Cost?
- The ESPN Unlimited plan is $29.99 per month.
- You can also bundle ESPN with Disney+ and Hulu.
- ESPN Select, which does not include WWE PLEs, is only $11.99 a month.
Many of the headlines about WWE going to ESPN have been negative simply because of the cost. After years of Peacock being around $10 per month, an ESPN subscription will cost you $29.99 per month, or $299.99 a year. Called the ESPN Unlimited Plan, ESPN.com says:
ESPN Unlimited Plan subscribers have access to all ESPN networks, including ESPN+, with events like NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, tennis and golf majors, top-tier college football and basketball, WWE and postseason coverage from all those and more.
There is also a special offer that will allow subscribers to bundle ESPN with Disney+ and Hulu, with ads, while staying at the $29.99 per month plan for the first 12 months. ESPN also has a Select Plan option for $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year, but WWE is not included.
ESPN Select Plan subscribers have access only to ESPN+, with top-tier soccer, PGA Tour, NHL, UFC and a selection of college sports, tennis, PLL, UFL and other leagues.
How Can You Get ESPN For Free?
- ESPN will be available for free for subscribers to Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV streaming, Fubo TV, and Spectrum TV.
- ESPN is not yet available on YouTube TV.
- There will be a lot of crossovers between WWE and ESPN personalities.
Although frustration about the increased cost is understandable, there is actually a way for many American fans to get ESPN for free. If you have Hulu + Live TV, the streaming version of DIRECTV, Fubo TV, or Spectrum TV, ESPN is included for free. All you need to do is download the app and activate it, and you’re good to go with no extra cost. Other live TV options like YouTube TV are not included in this, but there have been reports that WWE is hopeful to work out a deal with them and others before WrestleMania next year.
With WWE’s jump to ESPN, the number one wrestling promotion in the world just got even more mainstream. Major WWE names such as Triple H, Roman Reigns, and Cody Rhodes have already been on ESPN programming many times in the past, and most recently to promote the move. You can expect to see WWE superstars on ESPN much more, sharing the screen right beside coverage from the NFL, NBA, and MLB. One ESPN star, Pat McAfee, has already become a huge part of WWE. It seems like it’s only a matter of time before Stephen A. Smith is walking someone down to the ring or SportsCenter is broadcasting live from WrestleMania.
