AEW’s deal with Warner Bros. Discovery was originally believed to expire sometime this year, but that doesn’t appear to be the case anymore.
The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that the deal expires on December 31, 2024.
This means that AEW and WBD must have reached a new agreement earlier this year. Both sides did reach an agreement for the new weekly series Collision and gave the broadcast network exclusivity to AEW programming.
The report further states that WWE is out of its exclusive negotiating windows with NBCUniversal and FOX and is expecting to acquire a new television deal for NXT and RAW soon.
AEW is currently in its exclusive window with WBD while hoping that its value to WBD and/or other networks for its next contract will increase if WWE is able to obtain the boost in funds for its next TV deal.
If WWE gets a 40% increase for RAW as it did for SmackDown, that would be $658 million.
It is to be noted that RAW and SmackDown combined draw double the viewers in 18-49 as Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision. This reportedly puts AEW at an estimated value of $329 million per year.
However, it is unlikely for AEW to get a higher value for its next TV deal, although the rumored $200 million to $240 million figure seems attainable. Even with $170 million per year, AEW would still be profitable.
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AEW Extends Deal with Warner Bros. Discovery Until 2024
AEW (All Elite Wrestling) fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the company’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery has been extended. Initially believed to expire this year, the deal will now run until December 31, 2024, according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
This new agreement signifies the continued collaboration between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery, ensuring that fans can enjoy their favorite wrestling content for the foreseeable future. The deal also includes exclusivity for AEW programming on the broadcast network.
Meanwhile, WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is currently in the process of securing a new television deal for its shows NXT and RAW. The company’s exclusive negotiating windows with NBCUniversal and FOX have ended, and WWE is hopeful of acquiring a new agreement soon.
AEW, on the other hand, is still within its exclusive window with Warner Bros. Discovery. The company is banking on the potential increase in its value to the network or other networks for its next contract if WWE manages to secure a significant boost in funds for its upcoming TV deal.
Considering WWE’s recent success with a 40% increase in funds for SmackDown, which amounted to $658 million, AEW’s estimated value stands at around $329 million per year. However, it is unlikely that AEW will be able to secure a higher value for its next TV deal. Rumors suggest a figure between $200 million and $240 million, which seems more attainable.
Even if AEW were to secure a deal worth $170 million per year, the company would still be profitable. This highlights the financial stability and potential growth of AEW in the wrestling industry.
It is important to note that while AEW’s viewership may not match that of WWE’s RAW and SmackDown combined, which draw double the viewers in the 18-49 demographic, AEW has managed to carve out a dedicated fanbase and establish itself as a strong competitor in the industry.
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With AEW’s extended deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, fans can continue to enjoy their favorite wrestling content while eagerly anticipating the future growth and success of the company.