The situation surrounding AEW’s media future just took another turn — and this time the focus is on a new update that paints a very different picture of what actually happened behind the scenes.
After Nick LoPiccolo stirred up conversation with claims that Warner Bros. Discovery had already decided not to renew AEW months ago, NFL insider John McMullen stepped in on May 3, 2026 with a much more detailed breakdown of the timeline.
According to McMullen, AEW leadership wasn’t blindsided — they were given an early heads-up during the summer of 2025 that major changes were coming due to corporate restructuring involving Warner Bros. Discovery.
“Warner Bros. Discovery informed Tony Khan and AEW in the summer of 2025 that the plan was for WBD to be sold and that the option year in AEW’s current television deal was no longer a consideration, according to multiple industry sources.”
That update shifts the narrative away from panic and toward preparation. Instead of a sudden rejection, McMullen framed the situation as a business reality tied to an upcoming sale — not a direct statement on AEW’s value.
He also made it clear that WBD CEO David Zaslav personally communicated the situation to Tony Khan, explaining that the company wouldn’t be in a position to extend the deal.
“WBD CEO David Zaslav personally informed Khan that a sale was imminent and that the company would not be in a position to pick up the option or negotiate an extension.”
McMullen pushed back on the idea that this was automatically bad news, instead describing it as an early courtesy that gave AEW time to prepare for what’s next.
“In reality, it was not inherently negative. It served primarily as an early courtesy heads-up from a business partner, giving AEW time to prepare contingency plans ahead of decisions that will be made by new ownership.”
That context matters, especially as Warner Bros. Discovery moves forward with its merger deal with Paramount Skydance, a move that will ultimately shift control over AEW’s future distribution.
Behind the scenes, AEW is already preparing for multiple scenarios. McMullen noted that the company is operating with the expectation that it will need a new deal — even if publicly things appear stable.
“Behind the scenes, however, the company is operating as if it will need a new linear or streaming television deal.”
One of the more interesting details involves potential backup plans. According to McMullen, AEW has considered YouTube as a temporary option while searching for a new long-term partner.
“Sources close to Khan say he has told associates that AEW is prepared to move to YouTube, presumably as a temporary placeholder while seeking a new partner.”
That lines up with some of the concerns raised earlier — but McMullen’s update suggests the situation is far more strategic than chaotic. Instead of scrambling, AEW may have been quietly preparing for this moment for months. The big question now is what happens next once the merger is finalized and new ownership takes control of the decision-making process.
Do you think AEW is in a strong position heading into these negotiations, or could this situation still turn into a major problem down the line? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.