Tony Khan has addressed the future of AEW’s media home following Friday’s announcement that Netflix plans to acquire the film, studio, and streaming assets of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Speaking at a press conference following the Ring of Honor ‘Final Battle’ event on Friday night, the AEW President was asked about the implications of the deal.
Under the proposed agreement, the streaming service HBO Max, AEW’s domestic streaming home, will move to Netflix, while the linear cable networks TBS and TNT will be spun off into a separate entity.
Khan projected confidence in AEW’s standing, citing the remaining duration of his current contract.
“We have a great partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, and it will continue for many, many years to come,” Khan said. “We have years left on our remaining agreement with TBS and HBO Max.”
Khan, who also serves as the Chief Football Strategy Officer for the Jacksonville Jaguars, highlighted his familiarity with the key players involved in the acquisition through his NFL connections.
“I have only positive things to say about Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery,” Khan stated. “And frankly, also great things to say about everybody who was associated in the bidding, also about Paramount and Comcast, who are also great media partners of the National Football League.”
“I’m on the major events and fan engagement committee of the NFL,” he added, “and we work closely with all three of the bidders that have been in the mix.”
Khan declined to speculate on specific outcomes of the pending transaction, saying it was “early to comment”, but emphasized the historic bond between professional wrestling and the Turner networks.
“I feel like wrestling fits very well on TBS and TNT and feels to me at least… like a part of the identity of the channels,” Khan said.
He added: “I can also tell you for sure that at least until the very end of 2027 going into 2028, we’re going to be here for years and years to come.”
