Tony Khan on AEW & UFC Sharing a Channel | Paramount & WBD Deal
Tony Khan, CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has expressed optimism regarding the company’s future despite the recent acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) by Paramount Skydance. Speaking during a media conference call on , Khan indicated a desire for AEW to potentially share a broadcast platform with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) should the Paramount deal finalize.
The acquisition, still pending approval from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division, has sparked industry discussion about the potential impact on AEW’s media rights. Currently, AEW’s weekly shows air on WBD-owned TBS and TNT, with its flagship program, Dynamite, also streaming on HBO Max. A contract between AEW and WBD extends through 2027, with a Warner Bros. Option for 2028.
Khan’s comments centered on the potential synergy of having AEW and UFC on the same network. “There are tons of sports that exist on those platforms. I’d love to be on the same channel as UFC,” Khan stated. He highlighted his positive working relationship with UFC President Dana White and Hunter Campbell, acknowledging the competitive nature of their respective promotions while emphasizing the benefits of co-existence on a shared platform. “I have a great relationship with Dana White and Hunter Campbell. While their sister promotion is also in pro wrestling and it’s of a competitive nature there, I think on my behalf I’d love to be on the same channel as UFC. I see a lot of positive utility for that.”
The possibility of AEW and UFC sharing a channel stems from recent speculation from TKO, the parent company of UFC, expressing interest in having UFC programming air on TNT. Paramount has also reportedly indicated a similar desire. Currently, UFC broadcasts on Paramount on Saturday nights, which directly coincides with the timeslot for AEW’s Collision on TNT and HBO Max, potentially creating a competitive scheduling conflict.
The acquisition of WBD by Paramount Skydance initially raised concerns among some industry observers, particularly following a previous bid by Netflix. According to reports from , Tony Khan was “thrilled” that Paramount outbid Netflix for WBD, though concerns remain about AEW’s future under the novel ownership structure. The deal, valued at $110 billion, still faces hurdles, including scrutiny from state Attorneys General and approval from the European Union, a process that could take years.
Despite these potential challenges, Khan has consistently maintained a positive outlook regarding AEW’s partnership with WBD. In a post-show media scrum following Ring of Honor’s Final Battle, Khan stated that it was “early to comment on anything notable yet with a fresh deal,” but affirmed that AEW “still has a great partnership with Warner Brothers Discovery, which will continue for several years.” He emphasized the longevity of their existing agreement, noting “We have years left on our remaining agreement with TBS and HBO Max every Wednesday night.”
Khan also acknowledged the historical significance of wrestling on the TBS network and expressed gratitude to David Zaslav, CEO and President of WBD, for his support of AEW, specifically citing Zaslav’s role in the creation of Collision on TNT. He expressed pride in the partnership’s accomplishments and excitement for the future. He also acknowledged positive experiences with other bidders, noting their roles as media partners of the NFL.
The recent restructuring of Warner Bros. Discovery into Streaming & Studios and Global Networks had initially prompted questions about AEW’s position within the reorganized company. However, Khan has indicated that AEW maintains strong relationships with leadership on both sides of the split. He noted that both Gunnar Wiedenfels, who will be running Global Networks, and David Zaslav were instrumental in negotiating AEW’s current deal with WBD.
The long-term implications of the Paramount Skydance acquisition remain to be seen. However, Khan’s public statements suggest a proactive approach to navigating the changing media landscape and a commitment to securing a favorable future for AEW. The potential for a shared platform with UFC represents a strategic opportunity, though the logistical and competitive considerations will undoubtedly be complex. For now, AEW’s contractual obligations with WBD provide a degree of stability, allowing Khan and his team to focus on building upon their existing momentum and exploring potential avenues for growth.
The situation is further complicated by the evolving streaming landscape. HBO Max is slated to be absorbed into a superhub of Paramount-owned platforms, a move that could reshape how AEW content is distributed to fans. While AEW has not yet been specifically mentioned in Paramount’s plans for the merged company, Khan’s willingness to explore co-branding opportunities with UFC suggests a flexible and forward-thinking approach to maximizing AEW’s reach and visibility.