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The Octagon heads back north of the border, returning to Canada for UFC On ESPN+ 120 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The main event is a pivotal middleweight bout between Reinier de Ridder and Brendan Allen. de Ridder fights for the fifth time in just a year on the UFC roster, and is looking to remain undefeated inside the Octagon and earn a title shot. Allen, who is taking this fight on short notice replacing Anthony Hernandez, looks for his second straight win.

In the co-main event, Kevin Holland looks to build some momentum in the welterweight division as he looks to get back into the win column against rising Canadian contender Mike Malott, winner of his previous two outings.

Also on the main card is a pair of top-ten battles as Marlon Vera takes on Aiemann Zahabi in a bantamweight clash; and Manon Fiorot takes on Jasmine Jasudavicius in a big women’s flyweight bout. Plus, bantamweights Charles Jourdain and Davey Grant square off; and an explosive lightweight battle between Kyle Nelson and Matt Frevola kicks off the main card.

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> Women’s Bantamweights- Melissa Croden (6-2, 0-0 UFC) vs. Tainara Lisboa (7-3, 2-1 UFC)

Croden works the jab and lands a leg kick as Lisboa fires back a right hand. Croden lands a right hand and Lisboa returns fire with a combo. Croden lands a stiff jab and a body kick. They clinch and both land knees as Lisboa pushes it to the fence while landing a pair of knees. They trade big shots as they separate. Croden lands a jab as Lisboa lands a combo and gets the clinch, where she lands some knees. Croden reverses position and lands some knees of her own. Lisboa lands an elbow on the break. Croden rocks Lisboa with a jab and then lands a combo as Lisboa shoots for a takedown and pushes it against the fence. Lisboa lands a left hand as they break. Croden lands another big punch. They trade inside the pocket. Lisboa lands a solid right hand. Lisboa lands a solid combo. Croden lands a right hand. Close round. 10-9 Lisboa.

Croden lands a leg kick as Lisboa lands a combination. Lisboa lands a flurry as Croden lands a jab. Lisboa pushes it against the fence and lands some knees. They both then land knees before Lisboa gets it to the ground, but Croden is able to force a scramble up. Croden rushes forward and lands a jab. They trade before Lisboa forces another clinch. Croden briefly reverses and they separate. Lisboa rushes in to land and they tie up when Croden scores a takedown. Croden lands a lot of punches from the back and has control as they stand and Croden lands some more. Croden lands a big elbow and they separate. Croden lands a leg kick and then a combo and drops Lisboa with some punches. Croden starts landing from the top. Lisboa is trying to find an arm as she’s in survival mode. Croden lands some knees to end the round. 10-9 Croden, 19-19.

Croden lands a big right hand and a stiff jab. Croden lands a leg kick and a right hand that stuns Lisboa. Croden lands but Lisboa is able to score a takedown. They end up back on the feet and tied up. Lisboa tries a trip but Croden defends and grabs the neck. Croden gets Lisboa down to the mat. Croden gets to her feet and lands a few punches while standing. Lisboa looks for a leg to lock in a kneebar. Croden gets out and gets the back and lands lots of punches. She gets on top and lands some more punches. Lisboa is trying to squirm out of trouble. Croden gets the half-guard and lands some more shots. Croden gets the crucifix position and is landing. They stand but Croden continues to pour it on with pressure and punches. Lisboa falls to the ground and Croden ends it with some hammerfists. Big finish to get the debut win for Croden!

Fight Result- Melissa Croden def. Tainara Lisboa by TKO (punches) at 4:32 of Round 3

> Middleweights- Azamat Bekoev (20-3, 2-0 UFC) vs. Yousri Belgaroui (8-3, 0-0 UFC)

They trade leg kicks early. Bekoev lands a right hand. Belgaroui lands a jab and a kick. Belgaroui lands a jab and Bekoev lands a right hand. Bekoev scores a takedown and gets the back as they get to their feet. Bekoev lands and Belgaroui lands some elbows and Bekoev has a cut opened up as they stand. They trade and Bekoev attacks the takedown as they clinch. They separate. Bekoev lands some big right hands. Belgaroui lands a combination. Belgaroui lands a right hand and Bekoev is backing up. Belgaroui lands a jab and a right hand as Bekoev shoots for a takedown. 10-9 Belgaroui.

Belgaroui lands a leg kick. They trade body shots. Bekoev just misses a big right hand. They trade jabs. Bekoev lands a solid right hand. Bekoev lands a big punch but then Belgaroui lands a big knee and an uppercut. He’s starting to land with more volume in this round after a big first. Bekoev lands a big right hand and they tie up. They separate and trade and Bekoev is tired. He shoots for a takedown but Belgaroui defends and has side control and is landing elbows. Bekoev is trying for a takedown as he is dripping blood. They separate. Belgaroui lands a stiff elbow and a big knee. Belgaroui lands a big right hand that hurts Bekoev. 10-9 Belgaroui, 20-18 Belgaroui.

Belgaroui landing the jab at will to start the third as he mixes in a right hand. Belgaroui lands another right hand and Bekoev is wobbly on his feet. Belgaroui is landing and has Bekoev hurt. Belgaroui with some big right hands and it is stopped as Bekoev is only standing because of the fence. What a finish from Belgaroui!

Fight Result- Yousri Belgaroui def. Azamat Bekoev by TKO (punches) at :55 of Round 3

> Women’s Strawweights- Stephanie Luciano (6-2-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Ravena Oliveira (7-2-1, 0-1 UFC)

Luciano lands a pair of leg kicks. She keeps pressing forward and throwing kicks. She lands another calf kick. Luciano is side stepping the combos that Oliveira is throwing. Oliveira lands a combo. Luciano is relying on landing leg kicks. Oliveira lands a right hand. Luciano with a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. They trade leg kicks. They both land while throwing. Luciano throws a jumping knee and Oliveira lands a right hand. 10-9 Luciano.

Oliveira is throwing but Luciano is ducking the punches. Luciano lands as Oliveira throws. Luciano lands a leg kick. Oliveira connects with a right hand as Luciano landed a knee. They clinch for a bit and Luciano lands before they break. Luciano is avoiding the offense Oliveira is throwing. Luciano with a leg kick. Oliveira lands a high kick. Luciano with an axe kick and lands some leg kicks. Oliveira barely lands a right hand. They trade inside the pocket. Oliveira lands a right hand. Luciano lands a high kick and a jab. Luciano with a right hand. Luciano landing with far more volume here in the second. Luciano scores a takedown. Luciano lands punches from the top to end the round. 10-9 Luciano, 20-18 Luciano.

> Middleweights- Danny Barlow (9-1, 2-1 UFC) vs. Djorden Santos (10-2, 0-1 UFC)

> Flyweights- #14 Bruno Silva (14-7-2 1 NC, 4-4 1 NC UFC) vs. Hyun Sung Park (10-1, 3-1 UFC)

> Bantamweights- Cody Gibson (21-11, 3-6 UFC) vs. Aoriqileng (25-12 1 NC, 3-4 1 NC UFC)

> Lightweights- Kyle Prepolec (18-9, 0-3 UFC) vs. Drew Dober (27-15 1 NC, 13-11 1 NC UFC)

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> Lightweights- Kyle Nelson (16-6-1, 4-5-1 UFC) vs. Matt Frevola (11-5-1, 5-5-1 UFC)

> Bantamweights- Charles Jourdain (16-8-1, 7-7-1 UFC) vs. Davey Grant (15-7, 8-6 UFC)

> Women’s Flyweights- #2 Manon Fiorot (12-2, 7-1 UFC) vs. #5 Jasmine Jasudavicius (14-3, 8-2 UFC)

> Bantamweights- #7 Marlon Vera (23-10-1, 15-9 UFC) vs. #9 Aiemann Zahabi (13-2, 7-2 UFC)

> Welterweights- #15 Kevin Holland (28-14 1 NC, 15-11 1 NC UFC) vs. Mike Malott (12-2-1, 5-1 UFC)

> Middleweights- #4 Reinier de Ridder (21-2, 4-0 UFC) vs. #9 Brendan Allen (25-7, 13-4 UFC)

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Bob Myers is leaving his role as an NBA analyst for ESPN to join Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment as its president of sports, HBSE announced on Friday.

“Our goal has been to hire, grow, and retain the best and brightest executives in the world and we are a stronger, more dynamic organization with the addition of Bob Myers,” Josh Harris and David Blitzer said in a statement. “His experience as an architect of championship teams will complement our existing leadership structure, while also allowing HBSE to maximize opportunities across our portfolio. We’re excited to have Bob continue his storied career here at HBSE.”

Myers will work “goal of maximizing opportunities and bolstering processes” across the company, whose portfolio of teams includes the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, NHL’s New Jersey Devils, NASCAR team Joe Gibbs Racing, and Crystal Palace of the Premier League.

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Myers, 50, was the general manager for the Golden State Warriors from 2012-2023, helping the franchise win four NBA titles. He also won two NBA Executive of the Year awards during his tenure with the franchise.

Myers stepped down as Warriors president and GM in May 2023 and joined ESPN three months later. He worked as a studio and game analyst across the network’s NBA coverage. He also serves as a special advisor for Harris with the Washington Commanders after taking on the role in Jan. 2024 and helping in the hirings of GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn.

“I have been fortunate to know Josh and David for a long time, and I’ve always greatly admired them and respected how they’ve built such an impressive global sports portfolio,” Myers said. “This role was intriguing because it provides the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s most talented leaders and executives across the world’s biggest sports leagues.

“By leveraging HBSE’s global presence in sports, we can create competitive advantages for our athletes and teams that enhance our ability to win. This is the type of challenge and opportunity I was looking for, and I’m grateful to Josh and David for the chance to be a part of HBSE.”

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Former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers is leaving his role as an ESPN basketball analyst to become president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, giving the championship executive the ability to work across many of the world’s top leagues.

Myers will work in a full-time role with the goal of maximizing opportunities and bolstering processes for a Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) portfolio that include the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA, the New Jersey Devils of the NHL, Crystal Palace F.C. of the English Premier League, and an investment in NASCAR team Joe Gibbs Racing.

Myers also will continue to support Josh Harris, the managing partner of the Washington Commanders, after he helped assemble the framework of the leadership team that has guided the NFL franchise back to prominence.

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There will be no changes to the reporting structures of the HBSE teams — the presidents of basketball and hockey Operations will continue to report to their respective team ownership.

Myers’ arrival — and his reputation as a respected and powerful figure in the industry — strengthens HBSE’s executive ranks, as he will work strategically with ownership and the senior leadership groups at each team. He will remain based in California, but travel regularly to HBSE/Commanders properties and events.

“Our goal has been to hire, grow, and retain the best and brightest executives in the world and we are a stronger, more dynamic organization with the addition of Bob Myers,” Harris and David Blitzer said. “His experience as an architect of championship teams will complement our existing leadership structure, while also allowing HBSE to maximize opportunities across our portfolio. We’re excited to have Bob continue his storied career here at HBSE.”

This was the type of multi-property, global sports opportunity that Myers was looking for in the next chapter of his career.

Bob Myers helped build the Warriors teams that won four NBA titles and served as an analyst at ESPN after stepping down from his role at Golden State in 2023. John Hefti-Imagn Images

Myers spent the first 14 years of his career as a sports agent before transitioning to a front office role with the Warriors in 2011. Over the course of his 12 years with Golden State, Myers rose to the ranks of president and GM, building rosters that won NBA titles in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 while earning NBA Executive of the Year awards in 2015 and 2017.

In 2024, Myers served as an advisor to Harris in the buildout of the organizational infrastructure of the Commanders, including the hirings of GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn.

Myers also began working as a basketball analyst for ESPN after stepping down from his role with the Warriors in 2023, and was on the network’s pre- and post-game basketball shows.

“I have been fortunate to know Josh and David for a long time, and I’ve always greatly admired them and respected how they’ve built such an impressive global sports portfolio,” Myers said. “This role was intriguing because it provides the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s most talented leaders and executives across the world’s biggest sports leagues.

“By leveraging HBSE’s global presence in sports, we can create competitive advantages for our athletes and teams that enhance our ability to win. This is the type of challenge and opportunity I was looking for, and I’m grateful to Josh and David for the chance to be a part of HBSE.”

Myers added: “I also want to thank Bob Iger, Jimmy Pitaro, and my colleagues at ESPN for an incredible experience during my time there and for their support as I pursue the next chapter of my career.”

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WWE Crown Jewel: Perth was a noticeable improvement on the previous month’s Wrestlepalooza, according to those at ESPN. Reviewing the Australian event, ESPN’s Andreas Hale gave Crown Jewel: Perth a B grade with the following explanation.

“A show that stumbled out of the gates with a relatively tame street fight and a far too brief affair between womenâ€s champions was rescued by an absolutely stellar match between Cena and Styles that put an excellent bookend to their rivalry. Rollins finally getting his comeuppance against Rhodes — by any means necessary — and the womenâ€s tag match were both strong and anchored a memorable bounce back for WWE after a middling Wrestlepalooza.â€

Hale added that John Cena Vs. AJ Styles was the clear standout match of the night. He described it as “a love letter to wrestling” and awarded the match an A grade. The bout saw both men pay tribute to past rivals in what was Cena’s final match competing outside of the United States.

Hale had previously given Wrestlepalooza a C rating, criticizing the show’s lack of surprises and failure to deliver on its promised hype. Many saw this as a bad omen for WWE’s partnership with ESPN and believed that a more favorable review would have been given.

With Crown Jewel: Perth in the history books, WWE’s attention will now turn to Survivor Series: WarGames in November. It remains to be seen what ESPN makes of the show, the first of the ‘Big 5’ that will be part of the ESPN deal.

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After announcing earlier in the summer that the season would open on Dec. 28, the TGL has unveiled the rest of its 2025-2026 season schedule.

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The opening match will be broadcast by ABC at 3 p.m. ET and will feature the two teams that met in the championship of the first season — the Atlanta Drive GC and the New York GC (Atlanta was the first champion).

Earlier in the year, the league announced that the Motor City Golf Club, representing Detroit, will be its first expansion franchise in 2027.

Here’s the schedule for the second TGL season:

Dec. 28: Atlanta Drive GC vs. New York GC, 3 P.M. ET (ABC)

Jan. 2: Los Angeles Golf Club vs. Boston Common Golf, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN2)

Jan. 6: Atlanta Drive GC vs. The Bay Golf Club, 5 P.M. ET (ESPN)

Jan. 13: New York GC vs. Jupiter Links GC, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN)

Jan. 20: Los Angeles Golf Club vs. Jupiter Links GC, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN)

Jan. 26: The Bay Golf Club vs. Boston Common Golf, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN2)

Feb. 2: Jupiter Links GC vs. Atlanta Drive GC, 5 P.M. ET (ESPN)

Feb. 9: Los Angeles Golf Club vs. The Bay Golf Club, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN2)

Feb. 23: Boston Common Golf vs. Atlanta Drive GC, 5 P.M. ET (ESPN)

Feb. 23: Atlanta Drive GC vs. Los Angeles Golf Club, 9 P.M. ET (ESPN2)

Feb. 24: The Bay Golf Club vs. New York GC, 5 ET (ESPN)

Feb. 24: New York GC vs. Boston Common Golf, 9 P.M. ET (ESPN)

March 1: Jupiter Links GC vs. Boston Common Golf, 9 P.M. ET (ESPN)

March 2: New York GC vs. Los Angeles Golf Club, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN2)

March 3: Jupiter Links GC vs. The Bay Golf Club, 9 P.M. ET (ESPN)

March 17: Semifinal match No. 1, 6:30 P.M. ET (ESPN)

March 17: Semifinal match No. 2, 9 P.M. ET (ESPN)

March 23: Finals match No. 1, 9 P.M. ET (ESPN2)

March 24: Finals match No. 2, 7 P.M. ET (ESPN)

March 24: Finals match No. 3 (if necessary), 9 P.M. ET (ESPN)

Longtime NHL coach John Tortorella is back in the studio.

ESPN announced Tortorella will be part of its NHL studio coverage as an analyst this season.

“Known for his candid insights and authentic commentary, Tortorella will bring his deep understanding of the game as a veteran coach with 23 NHL seasons behind the bench, including leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to a Stanley Cup championship in the 2003-04 season,” ESPN said in a news release on Monday.

Tortorella, 67, was part of ESPN’s NHL coverage in 2021-22 when he was between coaching jobs. He had coached for the Columbus Blue Jackets for six years before that campaign, and he joined the Philadelphia Flyers for parts of three seasons afterward.

On March 27, the Flyers fired Tortorella, replacing him with Brad Shaw for the rest of the 2024-25 season before hiring Rick Tocchet for 2025-26. Tortorella said two days before his firing that he’s not really interested in learning how to coach that type of season, where the Flyers where second-last in the Eastern Conference. But Briere said there was a series of things that happened leading up to the decision to part ways.

In September, Tortorella told NHL.com he loved coaching the Flyers, and he wasn’t quitting on the team when he made those comments.

“I think a coach has to change,” Tortorella told NHL.com. “A coach has to show the players respect, that youâ€re not backing off, but you also care about the grind that they just went through, and theyâ€re done in another few weeks. Thatâ€s what I was saying. I donâ€t want to learn how to coach that way. I donâ€t know how to coach that way, and I donâ€t want to learn. If you can keep yourself out of those spots of playing to the end, you wonâ€t be good at that.”

Tortorella said he wants to continue coaching. He’s currently sixth in NHL history for most games coached, with 1,620, and ninth all-time for wins, with 770. He’ll also be an assistant coach for USA’s men’s squad at the 2026 Olympics.

In the meantime, he’ll provide insight on hockey in the studio.

Some of Tortorella’s highlights from his last time on ESPN include questioning whether then-rookie Trevor Zegras’ over-the-net alley-oop assist to Sonny Milano was too showmanlike for the game.

“If you did that back in 2000, late â€90s, 2000s, you’d get your head taken off,” Tortorella said at the time. “It’s cool. It’s cool to watch, but I’m not so sure it’s good for the game, and I stand by that.”

Stanley Cup champion T.J. Oshie will also be a studio and game analyst on ESPN. The right winger played 1,010 regular-season NHL games between the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals, recording 302 goals and 695 points. He added another 69 points in 106 playoff contests. He won the Cup with Washington in 2018.

ESPN also announced it re-signed NHL on-air personalities, such as play-by-play commentator Bob Wischusen, analysts Cassie Campbell-Pascall, P.K. Subban and Kevin Weekes and reporter Leah Hextall.

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Cody Rhodes is the Undisputed WWE Champion in his second reign as face of the company. The second generation Superstar has been pushed at the top of the company since returning, but now his fans are firing back at ESPN after what some see as a sign of disrespect.

The American Nightmare dethroned John Cena of the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam on August 3 to begin his second reign. Rhodes did not make his first title defense until retaining over Drew McIntyre in the main event of WWE’s inaugural Wrestlepalooza PLE on September 20, mainly due to Street Fighter filming.

Cody became the first-ever WWE Crown Jewel Champion in November 2024, and he will fight for that championship once again as the SmackDown representative when he goes up against World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins of RAW at the Crown Jewel VII PLE later this month.

The new WWE-ESPN alliance got off to a rocky start after Wrestlepalooza, and now the leading brands are going viral again for less-than-ideal circumstances. During the Iowa State vs. Cincinnati college football game on ESPN2 this weekend, announcer Roy Philpott was plugging WWE Crown Jewel when he touted “Cory Rhodes” as the Undisputed Champion.

“Don’t forget, WWE Crown Jewel, live from Perth, Western Australia, next Saturday, October 11 at 8am Eastern. Catch it on the all-new ESPN App… Cory Rhodes to battle Seth Rollins in a WWE Crown Jewel Championship match,” Roy Philpott said.

ESPN called him “Cory Rhodes”😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ZoSgtcfZ9L

— AIR (@AIRGold_) October 5, 2025

Updated Card For WWE Crown Jewel With Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins

WWE is just six days away from its seventh Crown Jewel PLE, set for Saturday, October 11 at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. Below is the updated card:

1. AJ Styles vs. John Cena
2. Asuka and Kairi Sane vs. IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley
3. Last Man Standing: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black
4. Women’s Crown Jewel Championship: Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer of RAW vs. Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton of SmackDown
5. Crown Jewel Championship: World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins of RAW vs. Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes of SmackDown

WWE will begin its tour Down Under with Friday’s go-home SmackDown from the same venue that is hosting Crown Jewel. Monday’s post-PLE RAW will also be held at the RAC Arena in Perth, then WWE will hold a Supershow non-televised live event on Wednesday, October 15 at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.

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From today, Oct. 2, Disney+ customers in South Africa have access to both ESPN and ESPN 2 linear channels, bringing the greatest sporting moments from US and International sporting leagues to the existing vast content library on the platform.

At no extra cost, fans are now able to schedule appointments with thrilling matchups, unmissable moments, and heart-pounding programming from the two channels, which also air on DStv in SA (218 and 219).

The action is already underway, with the football season kicking off with no less than six leagues, including the English Football League (EFL), Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), the Dutch Eredivisie, the German Football Association Cup (German DFB Pokal),the NWSL, the Saudi Pro League, and the Turkish Super Lig.

Fans of American sports can enjoy the recently kicked off NFL (National Football League) season, and College Football and Basketball matchups this month too, with the NBA (National Basketball Association) tipping off later this month.

Followers of international rugby leagues can look forward to the commencement of the US’s Major League Rugby, as well as the Japanese Rugby League, which features a number of Springboks.

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ESPN channels to air on Disney+ in South Africa from Oct. 2

Disney+ today announced that, from October 2, 2025, the ESPN Africa linear channels will be available to customers in South Africa at no extra cost.

Comments Kyle de Klerk, Director: Sports for The Walt Disney Company Africa: “We are excited to be adding the ESPN Africa linear channels to Disney+ today, offering South African customers more value through ESPN’s award-winning documentaries, breaking sports news, and, of course, fixtures from the most popular and exciting sporting leagues from the United States and around the world.

“This addition complements the vast library of must-stream TV series and blockbuster movies such as FX’s “Alien: Earth,” the fifth season of “Only Murders in the Building” and Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch”.”

The ESPN linear channels add to The Walt Disney Company’s more than 100 years of unparalleled storytelling and characters on Disney+, including the latest and greatest from Disney’s iconic brands and franchises – Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic – as well as the expansive general entertainment offering that features content from Hulu, FX, Searchlight Pictures, 20th Century Studios and more.

Disney+ customers can also stream celebrated and unmissable TV series and movies such as “The Simpsons,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” FX’s “The Bear,” “Modern Family,” “The Kardashians,” “Andor,” “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” “Criminal Minds,” Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Moana 2”.

All Disney+ Premium and Mobile plan customers with an 18+ content rating in South Africa will have access to the linear channels. Disney+ enables parents and caregivers to limit access to content for specific profiles based on content ratings, and the ability to add a PIN to lock profiles with access to mature content.

In addition to Disney+ in South Africa, ESPN is available on MultiChoice’s DStv and StarTimes across Africa.

Web: africa.espn.com

X: @ESPNAfrica; @DisneyPlusZA

Facebook: @ESPNAfrica; @DisneyPlusZA

Instagram: @ESPNAfrica; @DisneyPlusZA

Hashtag: #ESPNAfrica #DisneyPlusZA

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The move of WWE premium live events to ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer streaming service months ahead of the original plan, with September’s Wrestlepalooza, was surprising to many fans, especially those who needed to figure out how they were going to watch the show. In the United States, WWE now has content spread across various services like Netflix for “WWE Raw” and Peacock for “WWE NXT” PLEs. One thing fans are wondering is where they’ll be able to stream WWE’s content library and archives now, after all the various moves.Â

The question about the content library, and other original content, was posed to ESPN executives during a media call ahead of Wrestlepalooza. According to Matt Kenny, Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions, ESPN’s current PLE rights will be what they call “bankable VOD.” He couldn’t comment on WWE’s archives, however.

“When those events take place on our platforms, we’ll be able to offer those events on demand,” Kenny explained. “Our PLE library will build over time. But, in terms of the broader library, I would direct your question for the WWE to handle.”

Kenny said that, in regards to more original WWE content on ESPN, what they were able to do very quickly with their “Road to Wrestlepalooza” specials was impressive. He mentioned how “special” ESPN’s flagship show being on site at Wrestlepalooza in Indianapolis was going to be.Â

“I can’t speak to anything specifically going forward, but if you look at what we’ve done… I think it shows a lot of what’s great about ESPN,” he said. “Where we’re literally just building it as we go, all in the spirit of creating awesome content for fans and to do it with our own twist. I do think the point of SportsCenter being on site’s a really big deal, particularly on a college football Saturday.”

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ESPN didnâ€t just stream WrestlePalooza—they showed up in full force.

During the Fightful Select Backstage Report, Sean Ross Sapp revealed that top ESPN executives were backstage at WWEâ€s WrestlePalooza, showing just how serious the network is about its new $1.6 billion deal with WWE. This wasnâ€t just a routine meet-and-greet—sources told Fightful that ESPNâ€s internal push for WWE content even surpassed how they rolled out UFC.

“There were a number of ESPN execs at WrestlePalooza… ESPN sources told us that the push for WWE content even eclipsed when UFC was brought on board. Those that we spoke to said there isnâ€t anything resembling the stigma to pro wrestling that there once was.â€

Sapp made it clear that wrestling has earned full respect within ESPNâ€s corporate culture.

“The stigma around wrestling is gone inside ESPN.â€

Thatâ€s a major shift from how pro wrestling was viewed just a few years ago, especially by traditional sports outlets like ESPN. But with Disney doubling down on its live-event strategy, WWE is now being positioned right alongside the NFL, NBA, and UFC.

This full embrace comes after a controversial streaming launch. WrestlePalooza was meant to kick off the new ESPN Unlimited tier, but fans were left frustrated after discovering their standard cable subscriptions wouldnâ€t grant access. Sapp explained that the company never intended to make ESPN Unlimited available on cable—this was always about pushing people toward Hulu + Live TV.

“They want you to sign up for Hulu Live, because thatâ€s their deal. Thatâ€s what they want. Thatâ€s their goal. Not cable. Not Spectrum.â€

Despite the backlash, ESPN appears fully committed to wrestling—on every level. The backstage presence of top executives, the internal enthusiasm, and the strategic focus all point toward one thing: WWE is no longer a guilty pleasure for ESPN. Itâ€s a priority.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

Do you think this ESPN-WWE relationship will truly reshape how wrestling is viewed by mainstream sports media? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

September 22, 2025 8:20 am

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