Warner Bros. Discovery And All Elite Wrestling Reach Multi-Year Renewal, Shoring Up TNT And TBS Lineups And Adding Max Simulcasts
Warner Bros. Discovery and All Elite Wrestling have reached a multi-year renewal, shoring up the programming of foundational linear networks TNT and TBS and adding streaming simulcasts on Max.
Five years ago, prior to its merger with Discovery, WarnerMedia teamed with AEW to launch the pro wrestling circuit. While still overshadowed by the WWE, the AEW has had a solid run and proved to be a year-round ratings draw.
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Under the new agreement, WBD’s networks and platforms will remain the exclusive home of AEW Dynamite (Wednesdays on TBS) and AEW Collision (Saturdays on TNT). Terms also call for enhanced distribution rights across social platforms as well as what the companies called “building opportunities” for more AEW programming across linear and digital down the line.
WBD’s flagship streaming service Max also will for the first time stream AEW programming live, beginning in January. (That month will be a milestone for pro wrestling, as it will also see Netflix kick off its long-term deal for WWE Raw.)
AEW live pay-per-view events also will be distributed via Max at a discounted price per event, the companies said, with all marketing and promotion of those happening exclusively on Max. Those events will start appearing on Max “later in 2025,” according to a press release, with details including pricing to be revealed in the coming months.
“Tony Khan and the entire AEW team have been incredible partners, and we are thrilled to strike this expanded agreement to deliver amazing new AEW content and stories to TNT and TBS, as well as bring the thrilling live action to Max for the first time,” said Kathleen Finch, Chairman and CEO of US Networks, WBD. “We are focused on creating fresh and authentic experiences for AEW’s passionate and engaged fanbase while also introducing them to our growing lineup of high-action sports and entertainment at TNT and beyond.”
AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan said the contract extension “continues the tradition of iconic wrestling events broadcast on TBS and TNT, while also establishing a new legacy for AEW through weekly live streams on Max for years to come.”
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