AEW's Exclusive Negotiating Window With WBD Expires
AEW able to explore their options after WBD exclusive negotiating window expires
Aug 2, 2024
A new report from Fightful Select has revealed the exclusive negotiating window between All Elite Wrestling and Warner Bros. Discovery has expired this week. This ultimately allows AEW to speak with other companies about a new US TV deal should Tony Khan wish to explore his options.
All Elite Wrestling programming has aired on WBD stations since 2019 but their current media rights deal is set to expire at the end of 2024. Fightful noted the two sides have remained in talks over a new deal in the past week and Tony Khan is set to meet with WBD CEO David Zaslav this weekend at the Paris Olympics.
The relationship between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery is believed to be positive, with the two sides speaking regularly about "synergy, co-promotion, and upcoming plans."
Rumours in July suggested All Elite Wrestling and WBD had reached an agreement in principle. Tony Khan later confirmed that was not the case before accusing WWE PR of leaking fake news about AEW agreeing to a new TV deal with WBD.
As of May, the numbers being discussed on the new TV deal were above $110 million per year, a figure which would make All Elite Wrestling profitable.