AEW CEO Tony Khan has recently expressed his admiration for the leadership at Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD), particularly CEO David Zaslav, as AEW approaches a crucial period for media rights renewal. During the post Double or Nothing media scrum, Khan discussed the ongoing negotiations with WBD and emphasized the significance of 2024 for AEW. He highlighted the importance of wrestling’s return to TNT and TBS, channels that have a long-standing tradition of broadcasting wrestling in the United States.
Khan described 2024 as a pivotal year for AEW, likening it to a major season for athletes or sports teams. He noted that AEW has enjoyed a fruitful relationship with WBD over the past five years, and he is optimistic about the future. “It’s a really big year [for AEW]. I think a lot of you know some of these details, but to peel back the curtain, this is our media renewal year, and like a lot of athletes or teams, in a big year with a big opportunity, we’re all really swinging for the fences here. So it’s going to be really important for us. We’ve been now going on five years at Warner Brothers Discovery and it’s been the most amazing relationship,” said Khan.
Khan also reflected on the success of “AEW Collision,” which launched a year ago, and the positive reception of new pay-per-views like Dynasty. He believes that all three pay-per-views of 2024 have been excellent, further solidifying AEW’s position in the wrestling industry.
In addition to praising the overall relationship with WBD, Khan specifically commended CEO David Zaslav for his support and enthusiasm for AEW programming. “I know we were having great talks and I’m very blessed to be engaged with the awesome leadership of Warner Brothers Discovery. Mr. Zaslav has been amazing for AEW,” said Khan. He appreciated Zaslav’s fresh perspective and willingness to create new opportunities for AEW, such as the “Meal and a Match” concept and the Saturday night slot for “Collision” on TNT.
Khan reiterated his satisfaction with the treatment AEW has received from TBS and TNT, expressing his desire to continue the partnership with WBD. AEW’s current deal with WBD, which includes airing “AEW Dynamite,” “AEW Rampage,” and “AEW Collision,” is set to expire on December 31, 2024. Despite a recent dip in ratings, reports suggest that WBD remains pleased with AEW’s performance. An official announcement regarding a new deal between AEW and WBD could potentially be made in the summer or fall.
Recent updates on the AEW-WBD media rights deal have painted a more optimistic picture. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio noted that talks between WBD and AEW are progressing well, with some excitement within AEW about a possible deal. “Nothing is signed. That’s that. The exclusivity period is coming up soon so they could open it up and talk to other people and see what’s going on there. As far as it going badly, right now I would not call it badly. That would not be a term I would use at all. People who kind of know are somewhat excited about it but, at the end of the day, when the deal is announced that’ll be the story,” Meltzer said.
Khan was reportedly dissatisfied with the initial offer from WBD, as it did not include a comprehensive package for AEW pay-per-views on Max or any provisions for AEW’s media library. Currently, AEW’s weekly TV shows “Dynamite,” “Rampage,” and “Collision” air on TNT and TBS, while AEW pay-per-views are available for purchase through WBD’s Bleacher Report. AEW’s current TV deal is believed to be worth $80 million for 2024, following WBD’s decision to exercise an option year.
As the exclusivity period for negotiations approaches, AEW may explore discussions with other potential partners. However, the positive tone of the current talks with WBD suggests that a renewed partnership could be on the horizon. The wrestling community eagerly awaits the official announcement, which will ultimately reveal the outcome of these crucial negotiations.
Source: Cultaholic.com
