ESPN Denies Report That It Won't Renew WWE Partnership

ESPN issued a statement calling a report about not renewing its WWE deal 'completely false,' saying the outlet never checked with them. The two companies began a five-year, billion-dollar agreement last September, with WWE events airing on ESPN Unlimited and later on cable networks. ESPN has featured WWE talent in crossovers, including Danhausen's appearances during the NBA playoffs.

The ESPN-WWE arrangement, valued at one billion dollars over five years, launched last September with Wrestlepalooza on ESPN's streaming service. That debut event included John Cena facing Brock Lesnar in a retirement tour match, plus AJ Lee's in-ring comeback alongside CM Punk against Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. ESPN later expanded the deal to include cable broadcasts of event portions.

The companies have leaned into crossover promotions, particularly featuring Danhausen. During the NBA playoffs, Danhausen cursed the New York Knicks, leading to a storyline where Stephen A. Smith pleaded for the curse's removal. The Knicks subsequently won the championship. A Danhausen-themed ice cream truck also appeared in Minneapolis during SummerSlam weekend. The next WWE event on ESPN is Money in the Bank in October.