Warner Bros. Discovery and AEW have a solid relationship, which is why AEW signed a multi-year deal with them last year. However, Warner Bros. Discovery is set to split into two different companies in 2026 and now AEW’s future once the split happens has been revealed.
According to Jon Alba of Sports Illustrated, a source familiar with the Warner Bros. Discovery situation said they don’t expect anything to change with AEW “for the foreseeable future.”
However, he noted that it’s unclear how long that “foreseeable future” really is. The situation is still new, and more updates could come as things develop.
“Update: A source with knowledge of the Warner Bros. Discovery split situation says they do not expect anything to change “for the foreseeable future” for #AEW. How long that “foreseeable future” is is not exactly clear. The news is still relatively fresh.”
As previously reported, Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to split into two separate companies by mid-2026. The first company will be called Global Networks. It will include TBS, TNT, Discovery Plus, and Bleacher Report. This is the side where AEW currently airs Dynamite and Collision. It will be run by Gunnar Wiedenfels, who is WBD’s current Chief Financial Officer.
The second company will be called Streaming and Studios. It will include HBO, HBO Max, the company’s TV and movie production, Warner Bros. movie studio, and DC Studios. This part will be led by David Zaslav, the current President and CEO of WBD. It’s to be noted that Tony Khan often mentions Zaslav when talking about AEW’s future on TV.
AEW’s shows on Warner Bros. Discovery networks seem safe for now, but with big changes coming in 2026, fans will obviously be watching closely. Tony Khan’s strong connection with top WBD executives and AEW’s current TV ratings could be important in making sure the company stays in a strong position during this major transition. Therefore, we’ll have to see what will happen to AEW in the coming years.
Do you think AEW will continue thriving on TNT and TBS after the WBD split, or could a major change be coming eventually? Sound off in the comments.