AEW’s Public Relations Now Under Warner Sports Umbrella
Summary
– AEW’s PR team has been moved under the Warner Sports umbrella, indicating a tighter relationship with Warner Bros Discovery.
– This change is seen as a strategic move, potentially impacting AEW’s future, especially with the first quarter of 2024 being crucial for content streaming on Max.
– The situation raises questions about AEW’s ongoing discussions with WBD, including television rights renewals and streaming deals.
In a significant development for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has reportedly taken over a key aspect of the company’s internal operations, specifically the public relations department. This move places AEW’s PR activities under the larger Warner Sports umbrella, aligning them with other major sports entities.
Nick Hausman, during the Rumor and Innuendo podcast, shed light on this development. He mentioned that the new leadership at Warner Bros Discovery is not in favor of AEW’s current adshare deal. The integration of AEW’s PR team with Warner Sports is seen as an indicator of a strengthening relationship between AEW and Warner Bros Discovery.
The first quarter of 2024 is expected to be a critical period for AEW, as it could determine the company’s content streaming future on Max. If AEW fails to make significant moves during this period, it could lead to speculation about the company’s direction under Tony Khan’s leadership.
Hausman also pointed out that if AEW were to move to another network, Warner Bros Discovery would still benefit financially, receiving a cut of the profits, such as licensing fees. It has been long rumored that Warner Bros Discovery owns a stake in AEW, a claim that Tony Khan has neither confirmed nor denied, although he maintains creative control of the company.
This development comes amidst ongoing discussions between AEW and Warner Bros Discovery on various deals beyond television rights renewals. These include potential streaming arrangements, with Warner Bros Discovery already receiving a share of AEW’s streaming pay-per-view buys through Bleacher Report.
The situation is complex and has wide implications for AEW’s future, especially considering WWE’s use of CM Punk’s name as a significant drawing factor in potential deals with Raw. As AEW navigates these changes and discussions, the wrestling community is keenly observing how these developments will shape the company’s future.
