Negotiations concerning the upcoming expiration of the television rights agreement between All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Warner Bros. Discovery are reportedly making progress, and an agreement might be reached soon.
Dave Zaslav, CEO and President of Warner Bros. Discovery, and Luis Silberwasser, the head of TNT Sports, are reportedly interested in maintaining the five hours per week of AEW content on TNT and TBS, including shows like Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision. Negotiated amounts are reportedly surpassing the projected yearly mark of 0 million.
Since its inception in 2019, AEW has developed a fruitful partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. During this period, the brand has successfully lured top tier talents, positioning it as the second-largest global wrestling promotion. The agreed-upon period for exclusive discussions between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery is nearing its close.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the anticipated deal might be revealed potentially even prior to the ending of the private negotiation period.
Dave Meltzer has also mentioned the swirling conflicting reports surrounding the negotiations. He was quoted as saying,
“There are expectations the deal would be announced imminently, maybe even before the expiration of the exclusive window for negotiating that is just about over. I will say that we’ve gotten people who say they know from all over saying completely contradictory things about the talks.”
Meltzer added that, according to Tony Khan, AEW’s President, the impending deal is optimistic and transformative. However, contrary opinions have reportedly been suggested by competitors, showcasing the intricate nature of these discussions.
AEW, in collaboration with NJPW, is set to host the 2024 Forbidden Door pay-per-view event this coming Sunday.