H Jenkins on July 10, 2024
Television media rights are a major topic in the pro wrestling world. Following WWE’s recent deals, where RAW is moving to Netflix, NXT to The CW, and SmackDown to USA Network. The blue brand is even moving to The USA Network sooner than expected. However, AEW has yet to announce their next deal. Fans remain uncertain about AEW’s future, but Tony Khan remains confident.
AEW is up for a media rights renewal in 2024 as its current deals with Warner Brothers Discovery are set to expire. Tony Khan has continued to praise Warner Brothers Discovery and mentioned they are close to finalizing a new deal.
Speaking on SportsGrid, Tony Khan provided an update on the talks and what it would mean for AEW. He said it’s “going to be a huge thing,” emphasizing that the investment in AEW has more than paid off and expressing confidence in the company’s long-term future.
“It’s going to be a huge thing. It will mean that all the investment into AEW has more than paid off. It will mean a very secure future for AEW for a very long time to come. We’re going to get a great media rights deal, we’re having great conversations here, and we have a great home at Warner Brothers Discovery. I was really pleased they want us to stay and they made us great offers and we’re having great conversations now. With five hours of wrestling every week and streaming, there are all kinds of things to talk about. It’s really exciting for the future of AEW.”
When asked about the possibility of AEW Rampage or AEW Collision moving days depending on the NBA schedule on TNT, Khan said they would consider that option, noting the many interesting dynamics at play.
“We’d have to look at that. These are all kinds of interesting things we can talk about. Some things we are talking about. There is a lot to be figured out there. The last thing I can do is speculate on what the future of the NBA is. I’m in no position to say what their future is. It’s something everybody is going to be watching very closely. Warner Brothers Discovery has been great to us and have also been very savvy about acquiring sports media rights. It was really brilliant to sublicense the college football playoff games. That’s going to add even more viewers to TNT and it brings in events that are going to do some of the biggest audiences outside of the NFL.”
Khan also noted that Warner Brothers Discovery has deals with NCAA March Madness, MLB, and, most importantly, AEW. The situation with AEW’s media rights remains fluid, and nothing is certain yet, but Tony Khan does not appear worried.
What’s your take on AEW’s next set of media rights? Do you think they will finally end up on MAX? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
July 10, 2024 3:22 pm
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