Netflix's Acquisition of Warner Bros. Sparks Competition Between WWE & AEW

Netflix has confirmed that it will acquire Warner Bros., ending months of speculation. Pending regulatory approval, this acquisition could grant Netflix the ability to stream the main programs of both WWE and AEW under one platform.

The announcement revealed that Netflix will take over Warner Bros. film and television divisions, including HBO and HBO Max. The ongoing separation within Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will continue, with Netflix only purchasing the Warner Bros. portion. Discovery Global, comprising channels such as TBS, TNT, and Discovery, will remain independent and outside Netflixs ownership.

Currently, HBO Max will continue its operations without immediate changes, though adjustments are expected over time. The implications for AEW content remain uncertain. AEW recently entered a multi-year agreement with WBD, which suggests that shows like AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision are likely secured for the near future, although contractual details regarding a potential sale have not been disclosed.

Earlier this year, WWE Raw transitioned from traditional cable to Netflix, complementing the streaming of several WWE shows internationally. Netflix also hosts WWEs premium live events in various countries, while ESPN secured rights to broadcast all main roster events on its new ESPN+ service in the United States.

An additional factor is WBDs previous minor stake in AEW. With the company splitting and part of it being acquired by Netflix, it is currently unclear where that ownership interest will ultimately reside.

Author: Benjamin Carter