Update on AEW & Warner Bros Discovery’s Working Relationship & Media Rights Talks

AEW’s television deal with Warner Bros Discovery is currently expected to expire at the end of this year. AEW is currently still in their exclusivity window for talks with WBD for a potential new media rights deal that is believed to expire this July.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that AEW and Warner Bros Discovery officials have felt good about the notion that they will continue their working partnership. WBD officials reportedly have been actively pitching and taking part in their cross-promotion work with AEW, such as the House of Dragon themed episode of AEW Dynamite this past May. It was reported that WBD also worked with AEW on the Young Bucks’ Reebok sneakers deal and promotion.

It was reported that AEW and WBD have held weekly meetings on Mondays to talk about integrations, creative plans, and to avoid any issues that could potentially come up.

In regards to AEW’s talks with WBD for a new media rights deal, it was reported that an offer is on the table for AEW and this offer has been there for months. Details regarding the terms of this offer are currently not known. It was reported that whole there have been talks going on for some time, AEW officials have chosen to wait thus far for the reason why conversations have continued. It was also reported that the monetary amount for a potential new deal depends on a number of factors and AEW’s weekly shows, as well as any potential affiliated shows such as reality series, potential timeslot changes, AEW’s library, streaming, and possibly pay-per-view rights.

It was also reported that the fact there have been a variety of different timeslots and the occasional three-hour blocks due to Rampage being preempted at times are not accidental. AEW and WBD officials reportedly have been looking at which nights, timeslots, and time blocks work the best for AEW shows.

In regards to a potential streaming deal, it was reported that WBD have had interest in 2023 in putting AEW’s PPVs on their MAX service. It was also reported that the current expectation is that AEW will likely negotiate their properties together at first before looking at individual negotiations for their properties.

In regards to WBD’s talks with WWE last year, it was reported that such a meeting between the two companies did take place prior to WWE securing their now announced new television deals. WWE and WBD reportedly are currently international partners due to their current WWE and TNT Sports relationship in the United Kingdom.