One Big Thing
AEW’s current media rights deal with Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) is set to expire early next year, and the exclusive negotiating period between the two parties is about to end. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for AEW’s future financial stability and growth.
Key Points
- Earlier this week, a report emerged stating that Tony Khan was “disappointed” with the current offer from WBD, though AEW sources later disputed this claim.
- According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the current dollar amount offered by WBD is believed to be higher than the previously-estimated $110 million per year.
- AEW has yet to accept the offer, indicating that they believe they can secure a better deal.
- If these estimates are accurate, Meltzer believes AEW will become profitable for the first time once the deal is signed.
- All three AEW shows and streaming rights are up for grabs, but it seems unlikely that the company’s PPVs will move to a subscription service.
Why It Matters
The outcome of AEW’s media rights negotiations will have a significant impact on the company’s financial future. A lucrative deal could provide the necessary resources for AEW to expand its roster, improve production values, and invest in long-term growth strategies. Additionally, the terms of the deal will influence how fans can access AEW content and potentially shape the viewing habits of the wrestling audience.
As the exclusive negotiating period with WBD comes to a close, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see where AEW lands and how the new media rights deal will affect the company’s trajectory in the coming years.
What do you think the future holds for AEW? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts on the company’s ongoing media rights negotiations.
