AEW’s position within Skydance’s new company structure could help shape negotiations over its next television deal.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AEW appears under TBS and TNT on the company charts, rather than TNT Sports or HBO Max. UFC and Zuffa Boxing, meanwhile, are listed under Paramount+ and CBS Sports.

The distinction could be significant as AEW’s current contract runs through the end of 2027. With the Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger bringing changes to leadership, the promotion could be dealing with a different group of executives when talks begin.

If AEW falls under entertainment, George Cheeks would be an important figure in those negotiations. Channing Dungey, who will oversee the cable networks and report to Cheeks, would also have a role in the decision-making process.

David Zaslav and Luis Silberwasser, who negotiated AEW’s existing agreement, are no longer with the new company. However, the key figures behind the UFC and Zuffa Boxing deals remain.

CBS Sports chief David Berson is taking charge of Skydance’s combined sports operation. Despite AEW’s placement on the charts, the Observer suggested Berson could still be one of the most influential people involved in its next contract, alongside chairman and CEO David Ellison.

Ynon Kreiz will serve as co-CEO, focusing on daily operations and bringing the businesses together. Skydance has also pledged $6 billion in cuts, adding another consideration as the company reviews its spending.

Tony Khan has previously said he is friends with Ellison. The Observer noted that several of Khan’s comments indicate the pair have spoken, although that does not establish what any future agreement might look like.

There are also plans to combine HBO Max and Paramount+ into a single streaming service. The Observer suggested this could significantly expand the potential audience for UFC and Zuffa Boxing. AEW could benefit too, although the percentage increase would be smaller because HBO Max already had the larger audience.

The merger recently moved past a major obstacle after Paramount Skydance settled a state lawsuit challenging the deal.

What do you think the new company structure could mean for AEW’s future? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Tags: AEW, Skydance, TBS, TNT, Tony Khan, David Ellison