As previously reported, there have been claims that Warner Bros. Discovery, AEW's current broadcasting partner, informed President and CEO Tony Khan in advance about its merger with Paramount. This communication was intended to allow AEW to develop a contingency plan in case the new owners decided not to exercise the option year, which is set for 2028. However, both parties have since denied these claims. There has been significant speculation regarding the future of AEW’s television programming, with the deal expected to close by the third quarter of 2026.
Although Paramount, which has a major broadcasting deal with the TKO-owned UFC, is being viewed as a less favorable option for AEW, a recent report from Fightful Select suggests that multiple AEW sources indicate Khan is “excited” about the possibility of continuing the promotion’s relationship with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Regarding the discussions about Paramount airing UFC, Fightful cited an inside source who claimed that there is no exclusivity clause preventing the company from bringing AEW on board. Another source reportedly stated that UFC operates in service of Paramount, rather than the other way around.
