AEW’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is locked in through 2028, but potential changes could be on the horizon for the company’s Saturday night show, Collision. According to a new report, WBD is interested in acquiring UFC broadcast rights, which could have a direct impact on AEW’s programming schedule.
What’s the Situation?
Per Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, if WBD successfully secures a deal with UFC, the promotion’s events would likely air on TNT—the same network where Collision currently resides. This raises questions about AEW’s Saturday night time slot. If UFC takes priority, Collision could be moved out of primetime or potentially shifted over to TBS, where Dynamite airs on Wednesdays.
What This Means for AEW
AEW has already seen one major network switch in its history when Dynamite moved from TNT to TBS in 2022. While shifting Collision to TBS could provide brand consistency, Meltzer warns that constantly changing time slots could be detrimental to the show’s viewership. However, there is also a scenario where Collision remains on TNT but airs after UFC events. If that happens, AEW might actually benefit from a strong lead-in audience.
The Bigger Picture
UFC’s current media rights deal with ESPN expires at the end of 2024, making it a prime target for networks looking to boost their sports programming. It’s also worth noting that UFC’s parent company, TKO Group, also owns WWE, adding another layer of intrigue to WBD’s interest in the MMA promotion.
Meanwhile, AEW’s own media landscape has evolved. At the beginning of the year AEW programming became available for streaming on MAX, and its pay-per-views can now be purchased on Amazon Prime Video—marking a notable expansion of their distribution reach.
For now, AEW remains a key player in WBD’s programming lineup, but if UFC enters the equation, Collision’s Saturday night home could be in for a shake-up.
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