Monday, August 17, 2026

NBC’s $1B WWE Bet

Scott Utterback

Peacock is spreading its wings.

NBCUniversal’s fledgling streaming service struck a deal for exclusive rights to World Wrestling Entertainment content. The five-year deal is valued at more than $1 billion, a source told The Wall Street Journal. 

WWE will shut down its WWE Network streaming service in the U.S. in mid-March and instead license the content to Peacock.

  • WWE Network is adding 1.2 million subscribers to Peacock’s 26 million. 
  • Peacock subscriptions start at $4.99 per month and will include content like “WrestleMania” and “WWE Icons.” The commercial-free “premium” version costs $9.99 per month. 

One of the key things we’re trying to do is differentiate ourselves through live events and sports, and this premium content is a cornerstone of our strategy,” said Rick Cordella, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at Peacock.

NBC Sports Gold IndyCar TrackPass content is moving to Peacock as well, the latest in a string of sport-specific Gold passes that have been rolled into the service.

Peacock is also getting its own golf betting companion show — the first for a PGA Tour event, in partnership with PointsBet. The show, titled NBC Sports Edge BetCast, will be available on Peacock Premium starting Feb. 4.

The moves come after NBC’s announcement that it will shut down NBC Sports Network by the end of the year — a decision intended to bolster Peacock as it competes with giants like Netflix and Disney+.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Scheffler Passes McIlroy, Pulls Behind Woods in Total Earnings

He can break Woods’s record at the BMW Championship in St. Louis.
Mar 15, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; FS1 announcer Jason Benetti during the game between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Washington State Cougars at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Exclusive

Jason Benetti Will Call NBA Games for NBC This Season

Benetti will supplement NBC’s roster, not replace any of its NBA voices.

ESPN Boosting Coverage of PGA Tour Playoffs

The move comes after a trial run in January.
Aug 9, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Justin Rose eighteenth green during the third round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship golf tournament.

Future of FedEx’s PGA Tour Deal in Question As Playoffs Begin

The PGA Tour is revamping its competitive model in 2028.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Jessica Pegula on the US Open, WTA Sex Testing, and More.

0:00

Featured Today

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Varsity Brands

Varsity Brands CEO on PE Ownership and the Business of Cheer

Varsity includes a cheerleading business and an athletic apparel division.
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Adam Schefter talks on a set before the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
July 31, 2026

Schefter Among Early Investors to Cash In on Underdog Sale

Schefter first invested in Underdog in 2021.
Huddle in the Hamptons
August 4, 2026

Why Investors Want to Bring Athletes Into Ownership Groups

LeBron James and Tom Brady have ownership stakes in multiple sports teams.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
At Five Points Sports Bar, in Levittown, Philadelphia Eagles fans watch first quarter action, in Super Bowl LVII, in Arizona, on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023.
July 31, 2026

NFL Sunday Ticket Will Still Be Available by Satellite at Sports Bars

DirecTV’s previous deal expired after the 2025 NFL season.
Underdog Fantasy
July 30, 2026

Underdog Sold to U.K.’s IG Group in Potential $2.15B Deal

IG Group is making a big bet on Underdog’s prediction-market business.
Marques Colston
July 30, 2026

Marques Colston: Why Everyone Is Buying Into Soccer Clubs

Colston’s The Champion Fund invested in Ipswich Town.
Jul 19, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (5) hits an RBI single during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Sutter Health Park.
July 23, 2026

Mark Cuban, Rashaun Williams Firm Buys Stake in A’s

It’s the first investment by Harbinger Sports Partners, which formed last May.