Published on: March 1, 2026, at 12:08 PM.

Updated on: March 1, 2026, at 12:10 PM.

• For the inaugural time, WrestleMania 42 will feature the opening hour of both nights on standard cable
• After the complimentary viewing period, domestic streaming will be exclusively available on ESPN Unlimited, while most international viewers can enjoy the event for free through Netflix subscriptions
• Tickets are still on sale for the two-night spectacle at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, priced from $210 to over $46,000

In a bold distribution move from its four-decade legacy, WWE is significantly reducing its “pay-per-view” restrictions for WrestleMania 42 — at least for the initial hour.

In a strategic bid to expand its audience, WWE, in conjunction with new broadcast partners TKO Group, has revealed that the first 60 minutes of each night — scheduled for April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas — will be aired live on basic cable before transitioning to ESPN’s premium streaming tier.

The opening hour on Saturday will be available on ESPN2, while Sunday’s hour will be showcased on ESPN.

Once the complimentary cable segment concludes, the viewing options will vary by location. In the United States, WrestleMania 42 will shift entirely to ESPN Unlimited. This premium streaming service, launched in August 2025 for $29.99 monthly, now serves as the exclusive domestic platform for all WWE Premium Live Events under the $1.6 billion rights agreement established in 2025.

This strategy signifies the conclusive end of WWE’s association with Peacock, aiming to broaden ESPN’s viewer engagement as it directs audiences to ESPN Unlimited.

In 39 nations outside the U.S., audiences will be able to watch both nights of WrestleMania 42 live on Netflix, now serving as WWE’s global streaming partner.

Both nights are set to commence at 6 PM ET (3 PM PT) — an earlier “Vegas start time” designed to optimize the cable broadcasting window and enhance ratings for the opening hour.

The match card is continuously evolving as the event draws nearer. Confirmed for Sunday’s main event is World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk defending his title against Roman Reigns, the 2026 Royal Rumble winner. Additional title contenders will emerge during the Saturday Elimination Chamber match, while Brock Lesnar’s open challenge remains an intriguing subplot.

Tickets for both nights of WrestleMania 42 are available on Ticketmaster, offering single-night options starting at $216 on Saturday and $210 on Sunday for upper-level seats, extending to $5,781 on Saturday and $16,000 on Sunday for premium floor seating, with two-day combo packages priced between $477 and $46,219.