WWE Reportedly Leaving Peacock for New Streaming Home
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Stamford, CT - February 19, 2026 - A seismic shift is brewing in the world of professional wrestling, as WWE is reportedly preparing to sever ties with its current streaming partner, Peacock. While long speculated, a new report from PWInsider confirms that the company is actively pursuing a new streaming home, potentially marking a significant turning point in how fans consume WWE content.
The current agreement with NBCUniversal's Peacock, signed in 2019, was initially hailed as a landmark deal valued at $1 billion. It made Peacock the exclusive streaming destination for WWE's vast library, including weekly shows like RAW and SmackDown, all premium live events (PLEs) such as WrestleMania and SummerSlam, and the extensive WWE Network archive. However, the landscape has dramatically changed since 2019, and WWE, now operating under the TKO Group following its sale to Endeavor, is seeking a streaming solution more aligned with its ambitious financial goals.
Why the Change? Revenue and Control at the Forefront
The driving forces behind this potential departure are two-fold: increased revenue and greater control over content distribution. Sources close to TKO Group indicate that the current deal with Peacock, while substantial, doesn't offer the financial upside the company now believes it deserves. The wrestling entertainment market has continued to grow, and TKO is eager to capitalize on that growth with a more lucrative streaming agreement.
Specifically, the concern isn't necessarily that Peacock is underperforming, but rather that WWE feels it's leaving money on the table. The streaming landscape has matured significantly, with multiple players vying for dominance. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and even newer entrants are willing to pay a premium for exclusive, high-demand content. TKO believes WWE's programming falls firmly into that category.
Beyond revenue, control is another crucial factor. The existing deal with Peacock reportedly involves certain limitations on how WWE can leverage its content, hindering potential opportunities for direct-to-consumer initiatives or partnerships. TKO, led by Endeavor's Ari Emanuel and WWE's Vince McMahon, clearly desires greater autonomy in shaping the future of WWE's digital presence.
Potential Suitors and the Streaming Wars The report indicates that WWE is already in negotiations with "several different streaming services." While no specific names have been publicly disclosed, industry analysts point to several likely candidates. Amazon Prime Video, with its deep pockets and existing sports programming (including NFL Thursday Night Football), is frequently mentioned as a frontrunner. Netflix, constantly seeking to expand its sports and entertainment offerings, is another plausible option. Apple TV+, although traditionally focused on prestige dramas, has shown increasing interest in live sports and could see WWE as a valuable addition.
Disney+, the streaming arm of the Walt Disney Company, is a less likely, but still possible, candidate. While Disney has its own sports presence through ESPN+, integrating WWE could offer synergistic benefits, particularly in reaching a younger audience. However, Disney's recent cost-cutting measures might make a large-scale acquisition less appealing.
The timing of the transition remains unclear, but WWE reportedly wants to initiate the move "as soon as possible." This suggests a swift and decisive action, potentially within the next 6-12 months. A staggered approach, where certain content remains on Peacock for a period while new content migrates to the new platform, is also a possibility.
What This Means for Fans
For WWE fans, the change could bring both opportunities and challenges. A new streaming partner might invest more heavily in the presentation and production of WWE content, potentially leading to higher-quality streams, exclusive features, and enhanced viewing experiences. Increased competition among streaming services could also drive down subscription costs or lead to bundled offerings.
However, a transition could also be disruptive. Fans accustomed to Peacock's interface and features may need to adjust to a new platform. There's also the possibility of fragmentation, where certain content is available on one service while other content remains exclusive to another. Furthermore, there are concerns that the cost of accessing WWE content could increase as different platforms vie for exclusive rights.
Ultimately, the move signifies a power shift in the streaming landscape and underscores WWE's ambition to maximize its revenue potential. The wrestling world eagerly awaits further developments as TKO Group navigates this critical transition.
Read the Full Wrestling News Article at:
[ https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/wwe/backstage-update-on-wwe-leaving-peacock ]