Clarification on Warner Bros. Discovery Owning Stake in AEW

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. With that said, there is some clarification regarding WBD owning stake in AEW.

The new deal between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery will bring in $180 million in 2025, $185 million in 2026, and $190 million in 2027. Warner Bros. Discovery also has the option to extend the contract through 2028, at an even higher amount. Starting in January 2025, AEW will stream live on Max for U.S. subscribers, which is a big move to expand the company’s audience and influence.

A report from Sports Business Journal noted that Warner Bros. Discovery now has a stake in AEW as part of their new deal. The exact percentage of their ownership hasn’t been made public, but it’s clear they have a financial interest in the company. Tony Khan has previously stated he wouldn’t let anyone have voting control over AEW, though he hasn’t denied Warner Bros. Discovery’s involvement.

While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer talked about the ongoing lawsuit involving Kevin Kelly and the Tate Twins, where new details about AEW’s ownership have come to light. According to reports, no entity owns more than 10% of AEW. If Warner Bros. Discovery does hold a stake, it would be under 10%, meaning they don’t have to be declared as major owners. The Khan family remains in control, owning at least 90% of the company. This clears up speculation about Warner Bros. Discovery’s involvement in AEW.

“So in the Kevin Kelly lawsuit with Tate Twins, as part of things that have come out in the lawsuit, the key thing that has been that question of ownership of AEW. There is no entity that owns 10 percent of the company. If there is a stake that WBD owns, because people tried to speculate on it and what it all means and everything, the stake would be under 10 percent. they did not have to declare anything under 10 percent as other owners. Basically the only people listed were the Khan family. So they own at least 90 percent. “

This confirmation marks a new era for AEW as they continue to grow their presence in the wrestling world. With WBD’s investment, the future looks promising for AEW as it seeks to become more profitable and expand its reach. Regardless, we’ll have to wait and see if AEW will continue to grow more in 2025, as the company clearly has big plans.

Do you believe AEW’s deal with WBD will truly benefit them in a big way?

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