Latest on WBD-AEW Relationship
Added 2024-05-15 01:38:53 +0000 UTCAs of Tuesday, PWInsider reported that it was believed that a new deal has not been reached, and while AEW is likely going to be mentioned at the WBD UpFronts, that a new deal isn't likely to be announced. However, after speaking with AEW and WBD sources, we've learned a lot more about the relationship.
We're told that the announcement of a new deal is expected to be kept very close to the vest and Summer or Fall could be a more likely announcement point. The exclusivity window between AEW and WBD continues into the summer, though we don't have a firm date on when that ends.
While we're not sure where it will be announced, there is a pilot for a new AEW-related program with WBD that was set to be announced for social channels this week. It was described as not being a reality series.
WBD sources that we spoke to had indicated that WBD had interest in adding AEW PPVs to the MAX slate for quite some time, and noted that the two sides have been in talks for quite some time about what a deal would look like, with some proposals being made as far back as last year. It was also noted to us that almost every deal that WBD does is with MAX in mind, and that at the time of AEW's last deal with WBD, there wasn't nearly the heavy focus that there is now on the platform.
We're told that if WBD does lose the rights to the NBA, they will be looking at reinvesting funds to maintain their position on cable, as they'll need to look at other properties to help attract viewers. Though we aren't sure if any of that is related to AEW or will affect it in any way.
Both sides were complimentary of one another and the process, based on those we spoke to.
Comments
They won’t give MAX then PPVs to lose money on the deal.
Taters Precious
2024-05-15 17:31:17 +0000 UTCThe only way they could possibly keep the NBA is if they offer more than Amazon who is in it for 1.5b or 1.8b
Justin Kranites
2024-05-15 13:49:48 +0000 UTCWWE absolutely do not keep an audience from start to finish LOL...
slick
2024-05-15 13:49:00 +0000 UTCThe market is forecasting that they will be acquired by Comcast within the year or early next. So to be frank its not in their interest to keep racking up costs they cannot afford.
Justin Kranites
2024-05-15 13:48:14 +0000 UTCOnly Bill Simmons has said this - no reputable sports media reporter has come out with this news. Bill Simmons has been wrong plenty of times in the past. He's just a media personality specifically for boston sports lol.
slick
2024-05-15 13:47:56 +0000 UTCPayment is with a credit or debit card
Emma
2024-05-15 06:23:01 +0000 UTCActual people in the know of the negotiations wouldn't be telling anyone of what is going on. As usually they sign NDA's and or confiscate devices before big meetings. So any info is going to be second hand. Still its great that Fightful can get even this. I am guessing that the impasse is TK has one Price and WBD has another. Sadly what might doom them through no fault of AEW is currently WBD is 44B in Debt, and is barely afloat as the stock continues to tank. I think Tony should have a back up in case this goes south.
Justin Kranites
2024-05-15 06:16:26 +0000 UTCBut but but the internet people told me there’s no way they re-signed! Lmao especially with them expected to lose NBA rights, this will be a massive priority for WBD, there is a massive premium on live content especially for cable
Aidan Sattler
2024-05-15 04:14:09 +0000 UTCI would be shocked to see them get any UFC rights, especially with Max in mind. The ESPN+ deal has been tremendous for both UFC and ESPN and ESPN likes to keep its properties as exclusive as possible.
Craig Williamson
2024-05-15 03:44:27 +0000 UTCWBD also just added part of the Nascar package too starting in 2025.
B. Joseph
2024-05-15 03:14:49 +0000 UTC@absolute if ratings mattered so much why is Fox not renewing Smackdown?
Alexander Fitzgerald
2024-05-15 02:23:16 +0000 UTCMatthew & Nicholas need to superkick TK and take over negotiations.
Excellence of Flexecution
2024-05-15 02:04:18 +0000 UTCThey need to make investments to ensure they keep their station relevant. UFC is due for renewal soon. WNBA may be of interest to them. They have NHL rights. They have some MLB playoff rights. They have March Madness games. They just need to keep adding to it. I fully expect them to try and obtain some UFC rights.
Jared Searcy
2024-05-15 02:02:51 +0000 UTC@ absolute county have you ever seen the ratings for a third hour of raw? Lmao
Flameducky
2024-05-15 01:56:39 +0000 UTCSo it sounds like they just have a few details to hammer out before they put pen to paper, but a deal is most likely to happen
Jerrod Hazelwood
2024-05-15 01:51:21 +0000 UTCWhy do you guys keep bringing up ratings when it clearly doesn't matter as much. Streaming is the big thing now. RAW is going to Netflix, AEW is going to MAX.
Alexander Fitzgerald
2024-05-15 01:50:57 +0000 UTCIs anyone within AEW worried about WBD losing the NBA ratings? I’m concerned WBD is a sinking ship without basketball.
Trevor D.
2024-05-15 01:50:32 +0000 UTCWBD have already stated that they don't care so much about the actual ratings, but where they rank. Dynamite and Collision are more often than not in the top 5 in cable for the nights they are on. Which is exactly what that want.
Jerrod Hazelwood
2024-05-15 01:50:11 +0000 UTCHow does payment work?
A
2024-05-15 01:49:23 +0000 UTCYeah but at least WWE keeps the audience from start to finish rather than and AEW show where the ratings looks like a slide 🛝
absolutely county
2024-05-15 01:48:06 +0000 UTCI hate that this news is basically non news and mainly the same things that have been speculated on for a while. But I still appreciate it.
Keith Robinson
2024-05-15 01:47:59 +0000 UTCNBC got the NBA rights, so WBD is out there.
Brandon Maheu
2024-05-15 01:46:08 +0000 UTCUnfortunately, I think they desperately need ANY revenue they can get. They're not big enough or popular enough to go the Peacock/WWE route, imo. I would love this, though.
Kyle Longwar
2024-05-15 01:46:02 +0000 UTCGet a vpn. $20 per ppv
Tim - Knockout Hub
2024-05-15 01:45:54 +0000 UTCPretty much a done deal with it going to NBC but aint over til its over.
Scott Newcomb
2024-05-15 01:45:43 +0000 UTCCable ratings are going down across the board hence why the emphasis of max. Look at WWE their ratings are down too on cable.
slick
2024-05-15 01:45:23 +0000 UTCThe trolls wont be happy and wont believe this one.🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪
Scott Newcomb
2024-05-15 01:44:51 +0000 UTCSo at least we have a potential time table.
Jordan Lassiter
2024-05-15 01:44:45 +0000 UTCMakes me kinda hope WBD does lose the NBA
JacobKane
2024-05-15 01:44:06 +0000 UTCPlease let AEW PPVs be on MAX. I'm tired of spending $50 every month 😭
A
2024-05-15 01:44:01 +0000 UTCDeals Definitely getting done!
Christopher Hendrix
2024-05-15 01:43:13 +0000 UTCWhat are WBD thoughts are on the ever decreasing ratings?
absolutely county
2024-05-15 01:43:10 +0000 UTC
