AEW has undergone significant changes in recent years, and one of the most notable upcoming shifts is Collision airing on the newly rebranded USA Network in Canada starting January 1, 2025. Many fans had initially speculated that AEW might secure a deal with Sportsnet, Canadas top sports channel, but the partnership ultimately went to TNA.
While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer speculated on why AEW did not secure a deal with Sportsnet in Canada, while TNA managed to secure the deal and it will begin on January 2, 2025.
Meltzer stated that Sportsnet, widely regarded as the top sports channel in Canada, has a history of hosting major brands like WWE and UFC, while AEW has been aired on TSN, considered the second-largest sports network. Discussions between AEW and Sportsnet took place, but the situation changed after AEW signed a deal with the Canadian version of the USA Network.
Meltzer noted that Sportsnet would have wanted exclusive rights to AEW programming, making a separate deal for Collision unlikely. Instead, Sportsnet opted to partner with TNA, whose parent company Anthem, is based in Toronto. He speculated that this ownership allowed TNA to qualify as Canadian programming, a significant advantage in meeting Canadas broadcasting regulations that require a certain percentage of Canadian content. AEW, as an American company, did not meet this criteria.
While a deal with Sportsnet could have been beneficial for AEW, financial or strategic factors may have prevented an agreement. Meltzer acknowledged that AEW was interested in the partnership, which would have represented a significant upgrade for their Canadian presence, but ultimately, the deal did not materialize.
With Collision set to debut on the Canadian USA Network, AEW is growing its reach while staying competitive in the wrestling world. At the same time, TNAs partnership with Sportsnet gives them a chance to connect with more Canadian fans. It will be interesting to see how these moves benefit both companies.
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