AEW and WBD Negotiating Long-Term Television Deal: Key Developments and Future Possibilities
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The ongoing partnership between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has been progressing smoothly, signaling potential for a significant development in their broadcasting arrangement. According to a report from Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, discussions between the two organizations are moving forward, with a notable focus on securing a long-term television deal.
WBD recently made an “extensive” offer to AEW for a long-term deal, which both parties are currently reviewing. While specific details of the offer remain undisclosed, the optimism shared by sources within AEW and WBD suggests that an agreement may be imminent. The deal reportedly follows a productive meeting between AEW President Tony Khan and WBD’s David Zaslav in Paris during the Olympics, a meeting both sides deemed successful.
Sources indicate that the new offer is “at least double” the amount of AEW’s previous deal. However, concrete figures from the initial agreement aren’t publicly available, making it unclear if the increased value pertains to the same programming volume or includes additional content. AEW’s current deal comprises shows like Dynamite, Collision, and Rampage, while exclusivity agreements have prompted changes like the removal of Dark from YouTube. The arrangement may also consider their past reality shows, crossovers, and digital pilots on WBD channels.
There has been internal speculation about a possible “shift in PPV strategy” involving AEW, though WBD has not confirmed these rumors. Potential changes could impact pay-per-view distribution, streaming options, and library rights, with WBD possibly planning future strategies with Max in mind.
As both AEW and WBD express long-term commitment to their collaboration, industry observers anticipate expanded or adapted roles for AEW content within WBD’s programming lineup. With an ongoing deal set to expire at year’s end—and originally extended from a short-term 2019 agreement—there’s much curiosity about the next steps.
The nature of AEW’s revised deal could redefine their presence on TV, potentially influencing the wrestling landscape at large. While the details remain under wraps, sources confidently expect the partnership to continue “for years to come.” Fans and industry stakeholders alike are keen to see how AEW will leverage this opportunity and what surprises WBD has in store for its wrestling content offerings.
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