AEW looks set to receive a huge boost from broadcast partner Warner Bros Discovery.
Back in 2019, the two parties agreed a deal that saw the launch of AEW Dynamite, which was followed by Rampage and the creation of Battle of the Belts. In recent weeks, the promotion has also launched Collision which airs on Saturday nights. However, YouTube series, AEW Dark and Dark Elevation have ended.
It’s no secret that the Tony Khan-led promotion and WBD are in discussions over an extension to that deal, and a new report from Fightful Select has offered an update.
Fightful notes that the discussions have now been ongoing for several months and a deal could be announced this summer or autumn. Sources within WBD stated the company is “very happy” with AEW, especially with regard to their flexibility and the creation of new content.
The report also confirms that the deal will see all AEW content become exclusive to WBD. It was noted previously that this was why Dark and Dark Elevation were discontinued. However, the media giant has little interest in Ring of Honor, something that stretches back to before Tony Khan purchased the promotion.
WBD retains “plenty of say and influence over programming” and this has played out with numerous crossovers, while AEW has been flexible with requests from the broadcaster.
With regard to All In, the monster event in the United Kingdom is said to be being “actively discussed” as part of the negotiations.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, AEW is reportedly set for a “huge money increase” once the new deal is finalised.
Warner Bros Discovery Touts Success Of AEW Dynamite
The report comes just days after Warner Bros Discovery sent out a press release promoting the recent success of AEW Dynamite. The July 5th episode of the show, was ranked the number one show on cable among adults in the 18-49-year-old demographic.