Pro wrestling company announces major deal

More than three months after Tony Khan first stated that All Elite Wrestling and Warner Bros. Discovery were in the “red zone” for a new media rights deal, AEW has finally reached the end zone.

On what marks the five-year anniversary of the debut of its flagship show, Dynamite , AEW officially announced a new deal with WBD. As a part of the agreement, AEW Dynamite will remain on TBS with AEW Collision remaining on TNT, with both weekly shows being simulcast on WBD’s Max streaming service beginning in January 2025.

Additionally, the deal includes “enhanced distribution rights across social media as well as potential new AEW programming on linear and digital platforms,” as well as pay-per-views being available for discounted rates on Max “later in 2025.”

While financial details of the deal weren’t disclosed, Variety is reporting that the multiyear deal is worth “upwards of $150 million per year when all elements are taken into account.” It’s currently unclear how many years the agreement is for.

“We are honored to announce the extension of our incredible partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery,” Khan said in a statement. “This extension continues the tradition of iconic wrestling events broadcast on TBS and TNT, while also establishing a new legacy for AEW through weekly live streams on Max for years to come. We thank David Zaslav, Kathleen Finch and everyone at WBD for their tireless support of All Elite Wrestling since its inception, as well as the AEW fans, talent and staff that helped make this possible.”

Added WBD chairman and CEO of US Networks Kathleen Finch: “Tony Khan and the entire AEW team have been incredible partners, and we are thrilled to strike this expanded agreement to deliver amazing new AEW content and stories to TNT and TBS, as well as bring the thrilling live action to Max for the first time. We are focused on creating fresh and authentic experiences for AEW’s passionate and engaged fanbase while also introducing them to our growing lineup of high-action sports and entertainment at TNT and beyond.”

Even without knowing the length of the new deal, the potential $150 million average annual value certainly puts AEW in a position to not only become profitable, but potentially make good on Khan’s claim that it will be the second-most profitable promotion in pro wrestling history behind WWE. It’s also worth noting that the announcement didn’t mention AEW Rampage , which currently airs on TNT on Friday nights. It remains to be seen whether AEW will add an additional media rights partner (or partners) in the near future, with the company having been linked to Fox in recent weeks.

[ AEW on X , Variety ]

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