Tony Khan talks about the negotiations with Warner Bros Discover over the AEW TV deal, calling them “really, really great”.
The AEW President recently spoke with Sean Ross Sapp at the AEW All In Texas media event. He revealed that the negotiations were different for him, as he sat in the seat that players and wrestlers do when negotiating with him.
However, his relationship with WBD made the talks very easy and he is delighted to have executives like David Zaslav on board.
“It’s interesting, you know—for me as a sports executive—to sit in the other seat as a player. I’ve been involved in so many negotiations across football and pro wrestling. I’ve built great relationships with so many talented athletes. Knowing what it’s like to work with some of the greatest athletes, this experience, as AEW—the company, the sports league—felt like being in the player’s seat.” Tony Khan said.
“It was really, really great because, again, you talk about relationships. I know what it’s like to be on the WBD side. That’s why I’ve had such a great relationship and rapport with them. I think that really helped AEW. There’s a lot of trust. What’s really great is that Mr. Zaslav himself told me he truly believes in AEW.”
“David Zaslav is one of the greatest executives in Hollywood and a big supporter of AEW, which is incredible for us. To have the boss of Warner Bros. Discovery in AEW’s corner—and in the wrestling fans’ corner—is huge. ” Tony Khan added
“I was at the Olympics with him in Paris. We were talking about AEW on the biggest stage in international sports. His company had all the European broadcasting rights and so many great things going on. Mr. Zaslav was really excited about the renewal process over the summer. Having Mr. Zaslav, Bruce Campbell, and the entire Warner Bros. Discovery team behind us is fantastic.”
Tony Khan: New AEW Deal Will Be Great For Everyone
“This is going to be great for everyone involved. AEW fans will now have the option to watch these shows on Max while we continue to deliver the same great experience on TBS and TNT week in and week out. I want to stress that for the fans, this doesn’t change your viewing experience—unless you want it to.”
“For everyone who watches on TBS and TNT, the shows will still air every Wednesday on TBS and every Saturday on TNT. This is just another way to watch the show. We hope to create even more new AEW fans through Max.”
