What is being said about the future of AEW programming if Netflix deal with WBD becomes finalized

A newly filed 519-page proxy statement related to the potential Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery deal provides clues about the future of AEW programming. While AEW is never directly mentioned, The Hollywood Reporter notes that the omission itself is telling.

THR stated the following…

“Though neither the phrase ‘All Elite Wrestling’ nor the acronym AEW appeared once in the proxy, page 53 foretold the future for the WWE competitor… Following the close of the Netflix/WB deal, All Elite Wrestling rights will ostensibly remain with Discovery (aka the ‘Global Linear Networks’ company), though the league’s weekly series and premium live events (PLEs) are expected to continue streaming on HBO Max throughout the remainder of AEW’s current contract.”

The report further clarifies, “The AEW TV deal is tied to the basic cable channels TNT and TBS and expires at the end of 2027 or 2028, depending on what becomes of the contract’s fourth-year option.”

AEW’s current media rights agreement with WBD was signed at the end of 2024 and began in 2025, while Netflix currently serves as the U.S. home of WWE RAW and carries WWE programming internationally. The timing of when the Netflix–WBD deal will officially be finalized remains unknown.