Subhojeet Mukherjee on October 9, 2024
AEW has solidified its position in the wrestling industry with a major new deal. After much speculation, the company has officially signed a multi-year media rights agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, worth $555 million over three years. In light of the deal, there have been rumors that Warner Bros. Discovery has a stake in AEW, and Tony Khan has now responded to these reports, addressing the speculation surrounding their partnership.
The new agreement between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery will generate $180 million in 2025, $185 million in 2026, and $190 million in 2027. Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery has the option to extend the contract through 2028 for an even larger amount, making it clear the deal is a substantial one for the company.
A recent report from the Sports Business Journal stated that Warner Bros. Discovery holds a stake in AEW as part of their new media rights deal. While the exact percentage of ownership was not disclosed, it was evident that Warner Bros. Discovery has a financial interest in the company.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer shared new information from a lawsuit involving Kevin Kelly and the Tate Twins, revealing details about AEW’s ownership. It turned out that no company owns more than 10% of AEW. If Warner Bros. Discovery has a share, it would be less than 10%, meaning they don’t have to be listed as major owners. The Khan family still controls at least 90% of AEW, clearing up rumors about Warner Bros. Discovery’s involvement.
During the AEW WrestleDream media call, Tony Khan was asked about reports regarding AEW’s ownership. Khan avoided discussing the specifics but made it clear that he holds 100% of the voting stock in AEW. He stated that he has always had full voting control and owns the majority of shares in the company. Khan stated that as the sole voting owner and controlling shareholder, his position in the company is clear.
”It’s a fair question. I will not get into our ownership structure beyond saying I have 100% of the voting stock in this company and have since the beginning and hold the vast majority of shares. I think that’s fair to say. As the sole voting owner and the vast majority shareholder of the company, I think that speaks volumes and I’m the controlling owner with 100% voting control of the business.”
Tony Khan is more focused on running AEW and ensuring that the company is firing on all cylinders now that they have secured such a lucrative deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. Therefore, it remains to be seen just how much the company will actually benefit in the long run because of the deal, as fans feel there are more pressing matters the company needs to address.
Do you believe Tony Khan’s answer gave any indication that WBD has ownership stake in AEW? Let us know in the comments below.
October 9, 2024 5:16 pm
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