Mark Shapiro Confirms WWE Is Working on Non-Exclusive Library Deal

WWE fans who rely on Peacock to stream classic matches and premium live events may soon need to find a new home for their nostalgia. The company’s five-year deal with Peacock is set to expire at the start of 2026, and while Saturday Night’s Main Event will continue airing quarterly, the full WWE library is expected to move elsewhere.

During the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference, TKO President and COO Mark Shapiro offered the first real update on the future of WWE’s archived footage—and it sounds like changes are on the horizon.

“As it relates to the library, we’re working on a non-exclusive deal at the moment. I think we’ll have something to announce in Q1 [Quarter 1 2026],” Shapiro said.

Since 2021, WWE’s vast archive of matches, pay-per-views, and documentaries has been hosted on Peacock under a deal that packaged the library alongside live events. But internally, WWE never saw the library as a major standalone draw. According to Fightful Select, company sources said the archives weren’t expected to bring in high rights fees by themselves.

WWE’s evolving media strategy includes separate rights agreements for content like WWE Raw (which is heading to Netflix) and premium live events on ESPN, further fragmenting where fans can find their favorite programming.

Sources indicated that WWE may increase uploads to its Vault YouTube channels and even consider a partnership with Google. However, no full-scale release of the entire library is expected—just strategic drops aimed at growing new audiences.

When asked about NXT’s premium live events, which currently air on Peacock, Shapiro explained the company is holding back for now:

“We haven’t gone to market yet on the NXT PLEs, we have a lot on our plate right now and we want to be smart and strategic about that. We’re in no rush. We need to be deliberate and thoughtful.”

With 2026 approaching fast, the future of WWE’s library remains in flux. But one thing is clear: the days of one-stop streaming on Peacock could soon be over.

What do you think WWE should do with its library after the Peacock deal ends? Would you watch more if it were on YouTube or a separate platform? Share your thoughts below.