Update on AEW’s Talks with FOX for Potential Media Rights Deal

As noted before, AEW and Warner Bros Discovery are currently believed to be close to finalizing a new media rights deal that would be 3-4 years in length and worth in the ballpark of around $170 million per year. Besides WBD, FOX is also currently believed to be in talks with AEW for a potential separate deal. Swerve Strickland stated in a recent interview withQueenzFlip that AEW was “about to get on FOX” and teasing that a deal was close to being made.

Dave Meltzer reported in a special preview edition of this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that his sources stated that AEW is still in talks with FOX for a potential media rights deal. Those same sources spoken to reportedly also suggested the idea of a new AEW show for FOX taking place on a Tuesday or Thursday would make the most sense.

In regards to the status of the talks, Meltzer reported that a deal has yet to be made but AEW and FOX have held talks for it. Meltzer also reported that a deal is currently not believed to be close to being made yet.

In regards to the potential boost that an AEW show could get being on FOX, Meltzer reported that a 0.22 to a 0.23 rating on TBS would be a 0.29 to 0.31 rating on FOX due to FOX’s cable network exposure and reach. Meltzer reported that it is possible that the boost could be even larger depending on FOX’s promotional work and if this was an “A” tier show from AEW. Meltzer also reported that an AEW “A” show on FOX on either Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday would beat what FOX currently generates right now for those nights on primetime.

Meltzer also reported that it is also possible that AEW’s deal with FOX could end up being for FS1 instead.