The long-awaited merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery has raised questions about what the new media landscape could mean for All Elite Wrestling. However, AEW’s current television deal reportedly isn’t in danger of being cut, at least for now.
According to Dave Meltzer on last week’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Skydance does not classify AEW as a sport, which could help keep the promotion out of any potential cuts to the company’s sports programming portfolio.
“I think I even asked and was told that they are considered entertainment,” Meltzer said. “But they were listed as sports in this article, and they were talking about how cuts are going to have to be made. They did not…put it this way, they had talked to people who were inside over where they expected cuts, and AEW was not on that list on where they expected cuts.”
Meltzer noted that AEW was not among the programming expected to be affected by anticipated cuts. That said, the situation could change as Skydance continues to evaluate its business and programming priorities.
AEW’s Current Media Rights Agreement
AEW is currently in the second year of a three-year media rights agreement announced in October 2024. The deal kept AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision on TBS and TNT while also bringing both shows to HBO Max through simulcasts.
The agreement also included AEW’s video library being added to the streaming platform, expanding the promotion’s presence across Warner Bros. Discovery’s television and streaming offerings.
The current deal is expected to run through late 2027. However, it reportedly includes an option that would allow Skydance to extend the agreement for an additional year, potentially keeping AEW under contract through 2028.
AEW’s Future With Skydance Remains Uncertain
At this point, it is unclear whether Skydance intends to exercise the extension option or pursue a longer-term agreement with AEW once the current deal expires.
AEW President and CEO Tony Khan has remained optimistic about the promotion’s relationship with Skydance, particularly following a recent meeting with company executives.
For now, AEW appears to be in a relatively secure position under its existing agreement. Whether Skydance ultimately wants to continue its partnership with the promotion beyond the current contract remains to be seen.
