If you’re ditching cable but don’t want to miss a single suplex or title defense inside of the 20×20 ring, you’ll need the right streaming lineup.
Beginning next year, in the United States, WWE PLEs will have a new home on the ESPN app as part of a new deal worth more than $1.6 billion over five years. Priced at $29.99 per month, the new ESPN Unlimited app brings all of the company’s networks, portfolio, and events under one roof.
For WWE fans, this new deal brings 10 live PLEs to the app, as well as select simulcasts across ESPN linear networks. It is worth noting, domestically, the future of WWE’s library and NXT PLEs is up for grabs, as the current deal with Peacock is set to expire in March of next year.
Crunching the numbers for 2026, it’ll cost you at least $68.98 per month or $827.76 per year to watch the action inside the ring for WWE Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and premium live events. Here’s what you need to know.
Grappling with the Numbers: $827.76 Per Year
How to Watch SmackDown & WWE Live Events in 2026
WWE’s marquee Friday night show, SmackDown, airs exclusively on USA Network, while your premium live events land on the ESPN Unlimited direct-to-consumer app.
The ESPN Unlimited app, as a standalone, costs $29.99, and you’ll need a streaming service that carries USA Network. However, if you are subscribed to a streaming service that carries ESPN, you can sign in to the ESPN Unlimited app with authentication for no additional charge.
With that said, the cheapest way to watch USA Network and have access to ESPN Unlimited for WWE PLEs, is with the Orange & Blue package from Sling TV:
- Sling Orange & Blue gives you both USA Network and ESPN Unlimited access in one bundle.
- At $60.99 per month, you’re looking at $731.88 for the year.
Another affordable option to watch WWE SmackDown and live PLEs on the USA Network and ESPN Unlimited, respectively, is with the DIRECTV MySports package. The service starts at $69.99 per month after a 5-day free trial and includes over 20 sports channels, ESPN+, and unlimited DVR.
Sling Orange & Blue gives you 50 hours of DVR space, over 45 live channels from many popular entertainment, news and sports networks. New subscribers can get half off their first month and a free month of AMC+ at the link below.
Sling is a great option for superfans who want every SmackDown episode plus the big pay-per-views without jumping between services.
How to Watch WWE Raw in 2026
Since January, Netflix has been the home of WWE Monday Night Raw, airing each week at 8:00 PM ET. Starting at $7.99 per month, the Netflix Standard with Ads plan gives you access to live matches inside the ring and WWE original content across the platform.
Mondays come alive with WWE Raw as a Netflix streaming exclusive:
- Monthly cost: $7.99
- Annual cost: $7.99 × 12 = $95.88
With Raw on Netflix, you get three hours of premier wrestling storytelling every week at a budget-friendly rate. Additionally, Netflix offers thousands of hours of movies, shows, documentaries, originals, and live sporting events, including the NFL and boxing.
Netflix is often offered as a free perk or at a discount in mobile and home internet plans, including T-Mobile and Verizon
How to Watch WWE NXT in 2026
In October 2024, WWE’s developmental brand made its broadcast TV debut, with NXT’s takeover of Tuesdays on The CW. The show has been described as a “game changer” for CW, and fans can get their wrestling fix for free:
- Simply plug in an HD antenna, scan channels, and tune in (zero subscription fee).
- Perfect for budget-minded fans who still want weekly character development and breakout matches.
If you’re not sure which CW affiliate is in your area, a site like Antennas Direct can help you find your nearest station and which antenna is right for you. Combine your antenna with Tablo DVR or Plex, and you can record the show and rewatch your favorite moments from the night.
Tips to Slash Costs Further
At under $900 per year, hardcore WWE fans get full access to weekly shows and premium events without paying for a full cable package. Here are some other ways to save on your WWE viewing:
- Share Accounts: Split Netflix and Sling TV between family or friends (where terms allow).
- Trial Periods: Snag any free-trial or discount offers around big WWE events.
The Future of NXT PLEs, WWE Library and the WWE Network
The future of WWE’s main roster shows and live events is set for 2026; however, NXT PLEs and WWE’s library of content is up in the air. Currently, fans can stream NXT PLEs and on-demand content on the WWE Network on Peacock, but that agreement is set to expire in March 2026.
A Peacock subscription starts at $10.99 per month, but WWE could leave the platform next year. The streaming platform has added to its live sports content since WWE signed its deal back in 2021. The streamer is home to the Big Ten college football and basketball games, Notre Dame games, PGA, NBA, NFL, EPL and more.
With the move to ESPN for its main roster PLEs, WWE could add its on-demand content and NXT PLEs elsewhere if a deal is lucrative enough. Of the promotion’s current partners, Netflix seems like the most likely player for the on-demand library of content offered on the WWE Network. Peacock could make a play for the NXT PLEs as it continues to strengthen its sports lineup.
Ready to Rumble (Without Cable)?
For cord cutters, watching WWE in 2026 will be an experience like never before. The promotion will increase its accessibility with live events airing on the country’s largest sports network, while attracting younger viewers across streaming platforms and keeping its reach on broadcast TV.
With a combined annual spend under $850, you won’t miss a pinfall, plot twist, or PPV main event. Gear up, grab your streaming device, and stay ringside all year long, no cable required.
