AEW’s TV Deal Not Expected To Be Affected By WBD Split, Note On Paramount Interest In WBD

AEW’s media deal with Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly not expected by AEW to be affected by their partner’s split. As noted, it was reported on Thursday that Paramount Skydance was exploring a bid on Warner Bros. Discovery now that the marger between Paramount and Skydance is complete. That has led some to question how AEW’s relationship with WBD may be affected, as TKO has a new deal with Paramount to bring the UFC to Paramount+ and CBS networks starting next year.

According to the WON, while nothing is a sure thing in the TV industry AEW is of the belief that the contract they signed with WBD to air on HBO Max through 2027 (and 2028 if HBO Max picks up the option year) will remain in place. It is unlikely that Paramount’s potential acquisition of WBD would led to HBO Max or TNT/TBS dropping AEW and AEW is likely to be evaluated by where their numbers stand in late 2026 or early 2027, and by that point the AEW PPVs airing on HBO Max will also be a key factor as HBO Max gets a cut of that revenue in terms of the US.

The gist of the matter is that AEW’s value will depend on its metrics, which is something that wouldn’t change no matter who owns Warner Bros. Discovery.