AEW boss sees the proposed media merger as a growth opportunity, not a threat.
Summary
– Tony Khan said he is fully confident AEW will remain with Paramount after the WBD merger
– Khan believes combining HBO Max and Paramount Plus could increase AEW’s audience and pay-per-view reach
– AEW’s current Warner Bros. Discovery deal runs through 2027 with an extension option
Tony Khan is not showing concern over AEW’s future if Paramount Skydance completes its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
While appearing on Bloomberg TV’s The Close to promote AEW Double or Nothing in New York, Khan addressed the media shakeup and described the situation as a positive development for the company.
Khan said he is excited about Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery coming together. He believes the combined company could give AEW more strength across cable, streaming, and pay-per-view distribution.
Asked directly whether he expects Paramount to keep AEW after the deal, Khan gave a firm answer, saying he is completely confident.
His confidence stems from the potential reach of HBO Max and Paramount Plus under a single corporate structure. Khan suggested that a larger streaming base could mean more viewers for AEW programming and more buyers for pay-per-view events.
Khan also pointed to TBS and TNT as important pieces of AEW’s current television home. He believes Paramount’s involvement, along with David Ellison’s leadership, could make those cable channels stronger moving forward.
The AEW president also mentioned his relationship with Ellison through NFL connections. That link may become more meaningful if Paramount Skydance takes control of Warner Bros. Discovery assets.
Speculation around AEW’s television future has grown because the company’s current domestic rights deal is with Warner Bros. Discovery. AEW Dynamite airs on TBS, Collision airs on TNT, and pay-per-views stream on HBO Max in the United States.
AEW’s current agreement runs through 2027, with Warner Bros. Discovery holding a one-year extension option.
Paramount Skydance also has business ties to TKO through UFC, which has fueled questions about how AEW would fit into a combined media company. Khan’s response makes it clear that he sees the merger as a chance to expand rather than a warning sign.
For now, the proposed deal still needs to clear the required steps before anything changes. Khan’s public message remains steady, with AEW expected to stay part of the picture if the merger becomes official.
Ahead of #AEWDoN THIS SUNDAY, AEW President, CEO & GM @TonyKhan joined Bloomberg @Markets "The Close" w/ @RomaineBostick talk this weekend's incredible Double or Nothing show and more!
Don't miss Double or Nothing on HBO Max PPV at 8e/5p, THIS SUNDAY!https://t.co/WulGNL0Wce
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 22, 2026
