News regarding why WWE Night of Champions 2026 had an expanded card lineup
According to WrestleVotes Radio, WWE’s 2026 Night of Champions PLE in Saudi Arabia featured a six-match card, one more than the company has typically presented, after ESPN reportedly requested that WWE add another match or two to the lineup.
The goal was reportedly to strengthen the premium portion of the event on ESPN Unlimited. Of the six matches, the first two were simulcast on ESPN television, while the remaining four were exclusive to ESPN Unlimited subscribers.
The report adds that ESPN’s strategy of airing the first hour of WWE premium live events on television is expected to continue through at least fall 2026. By offering the opening hour for free, ESPN hopes to encourage viewers to subscribe to ESPN Unlimited to watch the remainder of the event.
ESPN approached WWE about adding another match or two to the Night of Champions lineup as a way to strengthen the paid standalone portion of the broadcast that streamed on ESPN+, sources tell @WrestleVotes Radio on @FightfulSelect.
We're told that the first hour of PLEs being… pic.twitter.com/nZadrSIILQ
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) July 2, 2026