AEW Nears $170 Million Annual Media Rights Deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, Poised for Historic Profitability

AEW is reportedly close to finalizing a new media rights deal with Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) that could make it the second-most profitable wrestling company in history after WWE. The deal is rumored to be worth around $170 million per year for three years, with a potential fourth-year option. This figure aligns with reports that WBD offered Tony Khan, AEW’s owner, double their initial proposal after Khan expressed disappointment with the first offer.

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the exact financial terms are not yet set in stone and could change before the deal is officially announced. Meltzer noted that the previous expectation for 2024 was around $85 million, based on past increases in AEW’s deals with WBD. Interestingly, there were plans to release a story claiming WBD had offered less than the current deal’s worth, but this was scrapped due to AEW and Khan’s repeated denials of being disappointed with the initial offer.

Check out these posts:

• Former WWE Tag Team Champions Primo and Epico Colon to debut in NWA, while Carlito returns to WWE
• ESPN’s Joe Tessitore joins WWE Raw as new commentator, JBL weighs in on transition challenges
• Mick Foley Addresses Vince McMahon Allegations, Expresses Gratitude for Career Opportunities
• JBL Makes Surprise Return to Wrestling, Jim Ross Hopes for AEW Appearance