ESPN has secured exclusive broadcast rights to American professional wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

From 16 February, the channel will broadcast matches and further content to subscribers in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

The news marks both AEW’s first broadcast deal in these regions, and ESPN’s first broadcast partnership with a professional wrestling organisation in the area.  

The new professional wrestling league has reported ‘record-high ratings’ since it made its debut in January 2019.

The sporting organisation said in a statement: “Each week on ESPN, fans in the region can catch all the action on “AEW: DYNAMITE” on Thursday AEDT, and “AEW: RAMPAGE” on Saturday AEDT, with same-day replays and episodes made available on-demand.  

“In addition, through ESPN, fans will have access to all of AEW’s quarterly pay-per-view events on delay: REVOLUTION, DOUBLE OR NOTHING, ALL OUT and FULL GEAR.”

Some fighters on the group’s roster include Chris Jericho, Bryan Danielson, MJF, Jon Moxley, Jamie Hayter, Saraya and Kenny Omega, to name a few.

AEW has also launched collections of video games, action figures, trading cards, merchandise to keep up with fan engagement opportunities.

In recent weeks, the broadcaster has continued to expand its sporting reach by partnering with the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP).

“Over 36.5 million Americans played pickleball in 2022 and this media package enables those fans to tune in to our world-class tournaments, and introduces the sport and its best players to millions more,” said Tom Webb, APP Chief Marketing Officer. 

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