Fightful Select has published an update on the current relationship between AEW and Warner Bros Discovery.
It is being said that Warner Bros Discovery has been active in cross-promotional efforts with AEW, such as House of the Dragon and the recent Reebok deal for the Young Bucks.
At the time of this writing, the offer on the table from Warner Bros Discovery has very little details. Talks between AEW and WBD have been ongoing since last year, especially having AEW pay-per-view events on the Max streaming service. It is also said AEW has decided to wait for now as it pertains to Max, but that discussions with WBD have been ongoing.
Fightful further notes trying to predicting the exact terms of the new deal is very difficult, as AEW’s weekly television shows – Dynamite, Rampage, Collision and their current time slots, along with any new programming, streaming, exclusivity and pay-per-view rights all play a part in the negotiations and a final new deal.
Fightful Select notes that AEW and WBD executives meet every Monday to discuss creative plans and avoid any issues that may come up. It was further noted in the report that WBD has been testing different time slots and three-hour blocks for their shows to see what works best overall for TBS and TNT. WBD, since 2023 has shown interest in having AEW pay-per-views. However, AEW might negotiate their properties together first with WDB.
WBD sources suggested to Fightful Select that extending TV rights likely included AEW as well, but the TV landscape last year was not favorable. An announcement might be made sometime later this year.
The source made the following statement to Fightful Select, in addressing concerns about AEW’s future.
“We usually don’t make schedule adjustments for properties we aren’t confident in.”
The source also went on to say they were not worried about the low ratings for Dynamite back on June 19, which drew 502,000 overall viewers.
Fightful Select’s report concluded by saying the three-hour blocks of TV are intentional, as both sides are seeing what programming schedules work best. Both AEW and WBD have acknowledged NBA rights could have an impact on plans. However, if WBD does get outbid by NBC, there could be more room on TBS and TNT for other programming.