Tony Khan Gives Major Insight Into AEW’s Long-Term Pay-Per-View Strategy Amid Incoming Warner Bros. Media Shift

AEW fans hoping for a WWE Network–style subscription model may want to pump the brakes — because Tony Khan says AEW isn’t changing its pay-per-view approach anytime soon.

The AEW President joined The Ariel Helwani Show this week to discuss the company’s PPV strategy, its relationship with Warner Bros Discovery, and whether a cheaper streaming model is even on the table. Spoiler: don’t expect $9.99 PPVs anytime soon.

Below is everything Khan said — and what it means for AEW going forward.

AEW Isn’t Moving to a Cheaper Streaming Model, Yet..

Ever since Dynamite debuted in 2019, fans have speculated that AEW would eventually transition to an all-inclusive streaming platform similar to the old WWE Network. With AEW pay-per-views now airing through HBO Max at $39.99 each, many expected the company to shift to a subscription-based format.

Tony Khan, however, poured cold water on the idea.

Khan told Helwani that he isn’t sure if a shift to a cheaper, all-access model is coming anytime soon — and emphasized the importance of keeping the PPV model consistent.

“I’m not sure… The pay-per-view price for AEW has been consistent since day one, it’s the same price it’s always been.”

Khan also noted that AEW prioritizes making live shows affordable for families and groups of friends, stressing that the live-event experience remains central to AEW’s identity.

He further explained that AEW’s PPVs remain strong value because of the amount of wrestling delivered on each card — typically around 13 matches per show — without compromising quality.

AEW’s Partnership With Warner Bros Discovery Is Stronger Than Ever

While AEW fans may not get a streaming overhaul, there’s good news: AEW’s long-term relationship with Warner Bros Discovery remains one of the company’s biggest strengths.

Khan highlighted that AEW’s current media rights extension — inked in October 2024 — keeps the company firmly positioned on TNT and TBS for the foreseeable future.

“We just signed a great media rights deal… It shows the faith that Warner Bros have in AEW.”

AEW’s success on cable and its strong partnership with WBD are major factors in why the PPV model likely isn’t changing — at least not until there’s a business reason to do so.

What About a Potential Warner Bros Discovery Sale?

Rumors of a broader Warner Bros Discovery sale have been swirling for months, but Khan doesn’t sound concerned.

Quite the opposite.

“We’ve continued to become a biggerpart of the Warner Brothers family… No matter what happens, I think we will be a really important part of that family.”

This confidence suggests AEW expects its content value to remain intact regardless of any ownership shake-ups.

Could a Warner Bros. Sale Lead to a Cheaper AEW PPV Model?

While Tony Khan made it clear that AEW’s current PPV format isn’t changing anytime soon, there is one major outside factor that could reshape everything: the ongoing discussions surrounding a potential Paramount–Skydance acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Industry speculation suggests that if Paramount/Skydance were to secure WBD, they may look to merge HBO Max and Paramount+ into one unified streaming platform — a move analysts believe would help consolidate subscribers and reduce churn. In that scenario, premium live events become extremely valuable content drivers, and AEW could suddenly find itself in a much more attractive bargaining position.

Some insiders believe that Paramount would push for subscription-style access to AEW pay-per-views, similar to years ago when WWE’s former $9.99 Network model  started the industry moving away from PPV, and to boost monthly subscription numbers for the combined service. Nothing is confirmed, and AEW’s existing contract would dictate the timeline, but the possibility is enough for some fans to hold out hope.

If that corporate shuffle ever becomes reality?

AEW fans may eventually trade $39.99/$49.99 per PPV for a much cheaper, more inclusive monthly subscription.

It’s far from guaranteed — but the business landscape is shifting fast, and this might be the one scenario where AEW’s PPV model could see a major evolution.

Next Up: AEW Full Gear

Khan confirmed that AEW is focused squarely on Full Gear, airing live this Saturday, Nov. 22 on HBO Max from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

Another big PPV, another big-stage showcase — exactly the model AEW intends to keep.

🎙️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

Tony Khan’s messaging couldn’t be clearer:

• AEW likes its PPV model.
• Warner Bros Discovery likes AEW’s numbers.
• And AEW doesn’t feel pressure to undercut its own value with a cheaper subscription service.

This is a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach — and honestly, it’s working. AEW consistently delivers marathon-level PPVs with stacked match cards. Fans may crave a more affordable monthly plan, but from a business standpoint, AEW’s price-per-event strategy is profitable and predictable.

If the WBD relationship ever shifts or AEW expands its content library dramatically, the streaming conversation will open again. But for now? The $39.99 model is here to stay.

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