The company has been trying to gain television ground, and we have the inside scoop on how and why the AEW – DAZN streaming deal collapsed.
Read More: Update On AEW/Warner Brothers Television Negotiations
One thing truly vital for the sustained success and growth of any professional wrestling organization is television time. Broadcasting, specifically. And, in this day and age, it isn’t even over the air traditional television. Now, streaming is the driving force. WWE has enjoyed television rights deals for decades-they’ve long partnered with NBCUniveral’s USA Network. But, in the recent past, WWE did trot out their own streaming network. Which was, of course, merged into Peacock (part of NBC).
Who Needs A Deal?
AEW has not been around as long, and has yet to enjoy the level of success as WWE. While they have had a TV deal since basically day one, they are pushing for more. TNT and TBS have served as a home for Dynamite and Collision. But the company lacks a streaming platform. This is something they hope to achieve with Warner Brothers-Discovery. But they did have a streaming deal already, it just didn’t work out.
AEW and streaming sports provider DAZN had a three year deal in place. Terms of the deal allowed DAZN to bail if they wanted to, and they did exercise that earlier this year. Now, an insider has provided some insight into the failed relationship.
While on the surface, saying “AEW lost a streaming deal” sounds like a click worthy headline, it turns out there is more to the failure. Specifically, per the source, yes, DAZN bailed because viewership was way too low. But, compared with other combat sports streamed on DAZN, the company did not put nearly the same level of effort in supporting and promoting AEW streaming. So, is anyone surprised the AEW DAZN streaming seal collapsed?
