Speaking on a recent media call for AEW WrestleDream 2023, AEW President Tony Khan noted that he is open to additional investment by Warner Bros. Discovery and a streaming platform deal.
However, Khan made it clear that he is not interested in any ownership changes.
You can check out some highlights from the media call below:
On if there’s been discussions of WBD investing in AEW: “It’s something we’ve talked about a lot. There has been a lot of conversations about that. It’s always been something I’ve been open to. Between Warner Bros. Discovery and myself, a lot of the financial and structural details of our partnership, we’ve been able to keep between us, but there are things that have always said to be true, that I own 100% of the voting stock of this company and that I have 100% of the decision making power in the company. I’ve been open to taking on additional partnerships or things of that nature. We have a really great deal, right now, with Warner Brothers Discovery, and I would love to have an even longer agreement. As for them and their stake in the business, that is something that would be between us, but I would also be open to that, to Warner Brothers in a future deal, having a piece or a bigger piece, potentially, but I would always want to maintain 100% voting control, as I have now, and want to maintain the majority of stock, which I have now.
“These are things that are important to me, but in a future deal, these are things I would be open to. There is nothing bad about it. We’ve seen in pro wrestling this year a change of control. I have no interest in a change of control. Would I be interested in taking on additional investment? Yeah, potentially. It would have to be at the right numbers and it would have to make sense for us based on how much our business has grown this year. As for a change or control or giving up voting stock, no, I have no interest in that.”
On the possibility of a streaming deal for AEW: “I am very open to putting AEW events on a streaming platform. I think it would be a great thing. I think we’re frankly close enough to the end of our media obligations here, and our current deal, where that sounds like a new deal to me. And it’s the kind of thing that would be part of a new media rights package, and that would be really great for us, so it’s something I would really like to do. It’s outside the scope of our current contract, which is for our live TV events and our pay-per-view events, and we’ve got something really great happening.”
On if he would be interested in a short-term “tryout” streaming deal: “I have no interest in doing like a tryout at this point. We’ve been doing this for three and a half years. I’m not gonna do a six-month, nine-month tryout on streaming, I don’t think that makes sense for any of us.”
You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on eWrestlingNews.com. Or, you can follow us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
AEW President Tony Khan has expressed his openness to additional investment by Warner Bros. Discovery and a potential streaming platform deal. However, he made it clear that he is not interested in any ownership changes.
During a recent media call for AEW WrestleDream 2023, Khan discussed the possibility of Warner Bros. Discovery investing in AEW. He revealed that there have been numerous conversations about this topic and that he has always been open to the idea. While the financial and structural details of their partnership remain confidential, Khan emphasized that he currently owns 100% of the voting stock and decision-making power in the company. He stated that he would be open to taking on additional partnerships or investments, including potentially allowing Warner Bros. to have a stake in the business. However, he emphasized that he would always want to maintain 100% voting control and the majority of stock.
Khan also addressed the possibility of a streaming deal for AEW events. He expressed his enthusiasm for the idea, stating that it would be a great opportunity for the company. He mentioned that they are nearing the end of their current media obligations and suggested that a streaming deal could be part of a new media rights package. While their current contract covers live TV events and pay-per-view events, Khan sees a streaming deal as a new venture that could greatly benefit AEW.
When asked about the possibility of a short-term “tryout” streaming deal, Khan dismissed the idea. He explained that AEW has been in operation for three and a half years and believes that a six-month or nine-month tryout on streaming platforms would not make sense for anyone involved.
In conclusion, Tony Khan’s recent comments indicate his willingness to explore additional investment opportunities and streaming deals for AEW. While he remains committed to maintaining control over the company, he sees potential for growth and expansion through strategic partnerships and new media rights packages. Fans can stay updated on all wrestling news through eWrestlingNews.com or follow their Twitter and Facebook pages.