WWE to Air First Hour of WrestleMania 42 on Basic Cable Each Night

The opening hour of both nights will be broadcast on basic cable before moving to exclusive streaming.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

For the first time, WWE is lowering its 'pay-per-view' barrier for WrestleMania 42 by airing the opening hour of both nights on basic cable. After the free cable hour, the full event will transition exclusively to ESPN Unlimited in the U.S., while international fans can watch the entire event live for free on Netflix.

Why it matters

This distribution shift marks a significant change in WWE's broadcast strategy, as the company aims to widen its audience and drive more viewers towards ESPN's premium streaming service. It also signals the end of WWE's Peacock era as it transitions to new broadcast partners.

The details

The first 60 minutes of each WrestleMania 42 night - April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas - will air live on basic cable, with Saturday's opening hour on ESPN2 and Sunday's on the flagship ESPN channel. Once the free cable hour ends, the full event will move exclusively to ESPN Unlimited in the U.S., while international fans can watch the entire event live for free on Netflix.

  • WrestleMania 42 will take place on April 18-19, 2026.
  • The opening hour of each night will air on basic cable starting at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT).
  • After the free cable hour, the full event will transition exclusively to ESPN Unlimited in the U.S.

The players

WWE

The professional wrestling promotion that produces WrestleMania, one of the biggest annual events in sports entertainment.

TKO Group

WWE's new broadcast partner that will air the opening hour of WrestleMania 42 on basic cable.

ESPN Unlimited

ESPN's premium streaming service that will exclusively host the full WrestleMania 42 event in the U.S. after the opening hour on basic cable.

Netflix

The global streaming platform that will air the full WrestleMania 42 event live for international fans outside the U.S.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Tickets are still available for the two-night WrestleMania 42 event at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, ranging from $210 to over $46,000.

The takeaway

WWE's decision to air the opening hour of WrestleMania 42 on basic cable before transitioning to exclusive streaming highlights the company's efforts to broaden its audience and leverage new distribution partnerships. This move signals a strategic shift in WWE's broadcast model as it aims to drive more viewers towards premium streaming platforms like ESPN Unlimited.