Tony Khan remains optimistic about the next round of AEW media rights negotiations.
Autumn 2024 will see the current agreement between the promotion and Warner Bros. Discovery come to an end. Although it has previously been stated by Khan that there is a great relationship between each side, multiple factors could change everything. On top of reported merger talks taking place between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount, further reports have claimed that talks between WWE and WBD to negotiate a potential broadcast deal for Raw are back on.
Speaking on the media call ahead of Worlds End, Khan once again reiterated that there is a strong relationship with WBD and he is excited to talk about the next steps in 2024:
“We have a great relationship with Warner Bros Discovery. It’s amazing now. We’ve been talking to them for several years and this coming weekend marks the five-year anniversary of the launch of AEW. We announced the formation on January 1, 2019 and here we are, days away from the five-year anniversary of that. Warner Brothers Discovery has been an indispensable partner throughout this journey.
I’m very excited about the future of AEW and excited to work with Warner Brothers Discovery throughout 2024 and going forward after that, there is going to be a lot of exciting conversations about AEW media rights. It’ll be a very exciting year and a lot of things are going to happen. We have a great situation with Warner Bros Discovery and it’s been a great year for that partnership.”
In regards to what 2024 may entail, Khan admitted that he is not certain what the future will hold but is optimistic that there will be a lot of interest for AEW and ROH from multiple suitors:
“We’re under an exclusive agreement. I can’t say what the future of AEW will hold for certain, but I know there is a lot of interest in pro wrestling, and judging by the market, I’ve had lots of interest in Ring of Honor, which I’m holding and looking forward to having an extra card to play later in the coming year in such negotiations.
Knowing there is a ton of interest in ROH and that product from outside parties, and knowing there is far more interest in AEW, multiple times more, and far greater rights fees for AEW in the future, it bodes well in the market knowing there will likely be a lot of suitors for AEW. We’ll find out for sure as we get closer to the end of the year. I have to say, it’s really great working at Warner Brothers Discovery, and if anyone came in, it would have to be a heck of an offer because we have a great thing going here and it’s a great place to be. I do value the relationship.”
Tony Khan Comments On Long-Running Storyline
One storyline that many fans are hoping will progress soon is the identity of The Devil, the leader of the group who has targeted multiple top stars in the company. Addressing the storyline during the media call, Tony Khan believes that big things will happen at AEW Worlds End.
H/t to Fightful.