Disney reportedly interested in purchasing WWE broadcast rights

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.’s (WWE) exclusive negotiating window with current partners Fox and Comcast has expired, meaning the company can officially open up talks with Disney and others looking to acquire their TV broadcasting rights.

Last year, Disney and WWE made a deal for the WWE Network to stream exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia. Since then, rumors and reports have been flying about the mouse potentially purchasing the wrestling company. In January of this year, WWE CEO Nick Khan reportedly met with Disney CEO Bob Iger ESPN President James Pitaro about potentially selling them WWE.

Endeavor ultimately purchased WWE, but their TV rights are about to be up for grabs. In 2019, WWE signed five-year contracts with Fox and Comcast for broadcasting rights. Those contracts expire in October 2024. While Fox or Comcast are still more likely to retain the rights, Disney is a top contender.

Recent reports suggest Disney wants to air WWE shows on FX, not ESPN, so it’s not overshadowed by more important sports programming.

WWE and Comcast do have a streaming deal with Peacock that won’t expire until March 2026. WOW News Today