Major Doubt Looms Over AEW’s Ability to Turn a Profit

AEW President Tony Khan has a lot of passion for the world of professional wrestling, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t done a lot of questionable things over the years. In fact, some doubt that AEW is even profitable right now.

AEW has come far since its inception back in 2019, but not all of the changes have been for the better. AEW works with Warner Bros Discovery and the company has a long-term deal with them as well.

However, with dwindling ratings for all AEW shows so far, one can’t help but feel Warner Bros Discovery might not renew their deal with AEW in the future. While speaking to SEScoops, Brandon Thurston stated that he does not see Tony Khan pulling AEW away from Warner Discovery as he is quite loyal to them. That said, Thurston made it clear that he is confident AEW isn’t profitable right now.

“I think Tony is incredibly committed to WBD. He’s insanely loyal. I asked him recently if FOX was now a possibility for AEW with Smackdown leaving. He would only talk about Warner Discovery and how me he loves being partners there.

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“I’m confident they aren’t profitable now. They need to make $200 million a year in media rights to get to profitability. They’ll get some increase, they could get triple what they’re getting now, it’s not unreasonable. But he’s going to continue to run the company and do what he’s doing whether it’s profitable or not.” 

“If I’m Warner Discovery, I’m waiting to see where the NBA rights are going to land. Maybe that influences how I schedule AEW. As for why they aren’t streaming already, it doesn’t make sense to me. At least have next day rights on MAX. Maybe they’re waiting until Collision can deliver ratings. Maybe it will turn into Rampage where it falls off in interest after a while. 

“They go against a lot of sports competition the rest of the year. What can they deliver when they aren’t up against college football or the NFL or the NBA? And there’s the NBA deal, which is a hang up as well. NBA exclusive negotiating doesn’t end start until the season is over with – that could be June or July. So if they have to wait until these deals expire.”

AEW still has time left until their current deal with Warner Bros Discovery expires. Only time will tell whether the company will eventually be able to turn a profit, as it seems unlikely right now.

What do you think of this story? Do you feel AEW is in danger of going under eventually? Let us know in the comments section below!