AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery were reportedly unable to reach a new deal recently, but WBD wants to see their relationship continue.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) reports that, as of a few weeks ago, AEW and Warner Bros. Discovery had not reached a deal that would bring the company to Max. The report noted that WWE’s deal that will bring SmackDown back to USA Network could affect AEW.
Per Sapp, WBD contacts confirmed that they expect NBCUniversal to make a bid on the rights to NBA programming rights. NBA has been a key part of TNT for years, and a bid could affect the budget for USA or NBCU getting the rights to RAW or NXT.
On the other hand, this scenario would likely affect WBD as well. Sapp wrote that AEW and WBD were unable to agree to a new deal that would include AEW’s television rights, pay-per-views, and the company’s library. WBD sources said that they’ve been happy with the AEW partnership, and they’re looking for it to continue. They also stated that Khan has a particular value that he believes the library is worth.
WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.
