Wrestling news outlet SEScoops has retracted its report that ESPN is not interested in renewing the WWE deal when it expires.

ESPN and WWE entered a five-year, $1.6 billion agreement starting in September 2025 with Wrestlepalooza. Recently, BJ Bethel of SEScoops posted a story, saying that the network is not planning to renew the deal when it expires in 2030. The report noted that the deal faced several issues. These include issues with the current market, “culture and synergy” between both companies. Moreover, cable providers are refusing to absorb the cost of the ESPN app for customers.

However, ESPN denied the claim in a statement to PWInsider, saying it was completely false and that the outlet never contacted them for verification before publishing. The network’s head of communications, Ben Cafardo, also posted the same on social media.

“There is no truth to the report that we have decided not to renew. They never checked with us before publishing and had they, we would have told them that was completely false,” the statement read.

After ESPN’s reply, SEScoops posted a statement on social media to announce the retraction of the story. The outlet has also parted ways with BJ Bethel.

“Yesterday we published a report from BJ Bethel on WWE’s relationship with ESPN. We are retracting that story in its entirety. Before a story like this runs, the subject deserves a direct chance to respond, and that step wasn’t taken to the appropriate standard. Since publication, it’s come to light that this effort fell way short. We ran it and the buck stops with us. We’ve parted ways with Mr. Bethel, have had our verification procedures reviewed by an outside partner, and updated our process as a result,” the outlet’s statement read.

However, in response to ESPN’s statement, BJ Bethel noted he attempted to contact the network through its fan support channel and left a message on the support phone line. He also said he’s standing by his original report.

“I tried contacting ESPN through https://support.espn.com/hc/en-us/requests/new last night. Also left a voicemail on a support phone line. In fairness I forgot about previous correspondence with Ben in April and his email or I would have contacted him there. I’m also standing by my story."