WWE NXT is officially heading to the ESPN App as part of a major new streaming agreement between ESPN and The CW Network.
The two companies announced that CW Sports programming will begin streaming live through the ESPN App on Tuesday, August 4. The launch will include more than 800 hours of live sports programming each year for viewers subscribed to the ESPN Unlimited plan. The rollout begins with WWE NXT airing live on August 4 at 8 p.m. ET.
NXT will continue airing over the air on The CW Network while also becoming available through the ESPN App. ESPN Unlimited subscribers will be able to watch the show on mobile devices, connected televisions and other platforms that support the app.
The deal also includes WWE NXT Premium Live Events, with Heatwave serving as one of the first major shows included in the new arrangement. NXT Heatwave will stream live from Texas on Sunday, August 30 at 3 p.m. ET.
The announcement gives WWE fans another way to watch NXT without changing the show’s regular Tuesday night home on The CW. It also places the brand alongside NASCAR, college football, basketball, bull riding, volleyball and bowling inside the ESPN App. ESPN and The CW confirmed that all CW Sports programming will still air live on the broadcast network while streaming through ESPN Unlimited.
“More than 800 annual hours of CW Sports will be broadcast live on The CW Network as well as stream live on the ESPN App for viewers with an ESPN Unlimited subscription plan.”
Subscribers can purchase ESPN Unlimited directly or activate it through participating television and mobile providers. Viewers with the Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited bundle will also be able to access CW Sports programming through Disney+.
The partnership gives NXT a much larger streaming footprint while keeping the show available on free broadcast television. With weekly episodes and Premium Live Events now included, ESPN is becoming another major home for WWE content beginning August 4.
Do you think streaming NXT through the ESPN App will help WWE reach a larger audience? Let us know what you think in the comments.
