Subhojeet Mukherjee on October 5, 2024
AEW continues to prove its staying power in the wrestling industry, and the company’s latest move is a game-changer. After months of speculation, AEW has officially inked a multi-year media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery valued at a whopping $555 million over three years. This lucrative deal not only extends their successful partnership but also sets up AEW for significant growth, with talent set to benefit in a big way.
The deal will see AEW earn $180 million in 2025, $185 million in 2026, and $190 million in 2027, with Warner Bros. Discovery holding an option to extend the contract through 2028 at an even higher rate. As part of this agreement, AEW will begin streaming live on Max for U.S. subscribers starting in January 2025, marking a major step in expanding the company’s reach.
But it’s not just AEW that stands to gain—the wrestlers themselves are in for a major payday. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, AEW is set to raise its talent pay structure, allocating around 36% of its revenue toward paying wrestlers. This marks a significant shift from previous years, where AEW reportedly allocated just over 55% of its revenue to talent salaries. The new deal will ensure that the hardworking wrestlers of AEW are compensated fairly as the company’s revenue grows.
”Starting in 2025 with the new TV deal, AEW’s salary structure is clearly going to go up for talent and AEW would likely be paying 36% to talent. Obviously on a percentage basis, WWE and UFC pay a lot less.”
Tony Khan, AEW’s president, didn’t shy away from celebrating the achievement, proudly stating that AEW had “secured the bag.” With talent salaries on the rise and a new streaming partnership with Max, AEW is setting up for an exciting 2025 and beyond.
As AEW’s influence continues to grow, the promotion’s talent will be in a better position to thrive, both financially and professionally. The future is bright for AEW, and 2025 promises to be a landmark year for the company and its stars.
How do you think AEW’s new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery will impact the promotion’s future? Will increased talent pay lead to even bigger signings and more memorable shows? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Will increased pay for AEW lead to even bigger signings and more memorable shows or will it just drive them in the negative more? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
October 5, 2024 5:42 am
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