Mr. Tito delves into the thrilling world of wrestling TV deals, shedding light on the current negotiations between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery. AEW’s existing deal is nearing its end, with talks of a hefty $110 million per year offer on the table, causing some raised eyebrows from AEW’s Tony Khan. If this exclusive window closes without an agreement, AEW will be looking for new networks to call home.
In a landscape where cable and streaming services are grappling with challenges, potential partners for AEW like Paramount Global, Disney, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Warner Bros. Discovery are touted as contenders. Despite debts and industry hiccups within these networks, each poses unique opportunities for AEW. Paramount Global stands out with its diverse assets while Disney’s interest in adding content may open doors for AEW on platforms like FX.
With big players like Amazon Prime shaping their focus on NBA and NFL content and Apple TV quietly eyeing live content expansion beyond MLB and MLS offerings, the field is ripe for alliances that could reshape AEW’s reach and impact. However, all eyes are on Warner Bros. Discovery, sitting pretty as the frontrunner amidst financial concerns but boasting valuable properties to offset debts by licensing them.
As speculation swirls around potential deals, Mr. Tito predicts a likely continuation of the partnership between AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery in the upcoming weeks. Diversification is key for AEW’s growth strategy – offering Dynamite exclusively while exploring options like Collision or Rampage across different services like Apple TV or Amazon Prime could be a game-changer.
The tides may be turning for wrestling content as WWE’s success story mirrors that of AEW’s rise since 2019. WWE’s resurgence following strategic moves has painted a promising picture for wrestling’s future outlook that could spell good news for AEW’s prospects as well.
So buckle up wrestling enthusiasts; the stage is set for a new slam-packed chapter in television wrestling as networks jostle to lock down deals with top-tier promotions like AEW amidst an ever-evolving entertainment landscape. Stay tuned as we await the curtain call on this high-stakes drama!