Entertainment

AEW Strikes Groundbreaking Streaming Deal with Warner Bros. Discovery! What This Means for Fans and the Future of Wrestling

2024-10-02

Author: Chun

AEW's Groundbreaking Streaming Deal

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has excitingly announced a new multi-year multimedia rights agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, marking a significant milestone in the world of professional wrestling.

While the specific financial details remain under wraps, insiders suggest that the deal is estimated to exceed an impressive $150 million annually once all aspects are considered. Under this agreement, AEW’s flagship shows, “Dynamite” and “Collision,” will continue to air on TBS and TNT, but there’s a game-changing twist: starting January 2025, fans in the U.S. can stream AEW programming live on Max for the very first time!

Tony Khan, AEW’s CEO, General Manager, and head of creative, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are honored to announce the extension of our incredible partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. This extension continues the legacy of iconic wrestling events on TBS and TNT and paves the way for AEW’s future with weekly live streams on Max."

Expanded Content and Opportunities

Additionally, the deal promises enhanced distribution rights across social media platforms and an opportunity for new AEW programming on both linear and digital outlets. Fans can also anticipate live pay-per-view events available on Max in 2025, with special pricing designed exclusively for event viewers.

Kathleen Finch, chairman and CEO of US Networks for Warner Bros. Discovery, echoed the excitement: "Tony Khan and the entire AEW team have been incredible partners. We are thrilled to strike this expanded agreement to deliver amazing new AEW content and stories while introducing fans to our growing lineup of sports and entertainment."

The Rise of AEW

Since its debut in October 2019, AEW’s “Dynamite” has captivated audiences, ranking as the top cable entertainment series among adults aged 18-49 on Wednesdays. “Collision” has also carved out its niche, currently sitting in the top five of its Saturday timeslot among key demographics.

The current AEW roster features an array of high-profile champions and popular figures, including Bryan Danielson, Mariah May, Mercedes Moné, the iconic tag team The Young Bucks, Will Ospreay, Jack Perry, Wheeler Yuta, Pac, Claudio Castagnoli, and the legendary Kazuchika Okada.

Validation of Tony Khan's Vision

This new deal not only confirms AEW's rising star status in the industry but also reflects the vision Tony Khan had from the outset. According to Bernie Cahill, founding partner of Activist Artists Management, “This WBD renewal is a resounding validation of Tony’s vision, establishing AEW as a unicorn in the media and live entertainment sector.”

Looking Ahead

As AEW plunges into this new era with Warner Bros. Discovery, fans are left wondering: What new surprises and opportunities await on the horizon? Stay tuned for thrilling updates that could reshape how wrestling is consumed!