Update on value of new AEW-WBD media rights deal

On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer gave an update on how much AEW is being paid by Warner Bros. Discovery in its new media rights deal. The deal was announced on Wednesday and is a three-year agreement with an option for a fourth year. Meltzer reports that the deal is worth $555 million over those three years at an average of $185 million per year. “$555 million over three years,” Meltzer said. “Average $185 million a year. It starts lower, the middle year will probably be about that, and then the third year would be up from that. And the fourth year would be way up. I’m presuming it includes the buying of the pay-per-view in that figure.” Dynamite and Collision will remain on their respective homes of TBS and TNT in the deal. Those shows will also stream live on streaming service Max for U.S. subscribers starting in January 2025. Starting later in 2025, AEW PPVs will be offered live on Max at a “discounted price per event.” All marketing and promotions of the PPVs will be exclusively centered on Max.