Leap Academy Podcast · Episode 106 · May 20, 2025
Tony Khan: Building AEW into a Billion-Dollar Brand and Competing with Wrestling Giants
"Tony Khan was captivated by sports and wrestling from a young age."
53 minutes
Leap PodcastTony Khan: Building AEW into a Billion-Dollar Brand and Competing with Wrestling Giants
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What's in this episode
Tony Khan was captivated by sports and wrestling from a young age. After immersing himself in sports analytics, he joined his father’s ventures, using his expertise to build a data-driven team at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Witnessing Fulham’s struggles, Tony saw an opportunity to apply his skills to improve the team and took it. His passion for wrestling ultimately led him to launch All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Despite initial skepticism, Tony’s vision and perseverance allowed AEW to thrive, becoming a major disruptor in the wrestling world. In this episode, Tony joins Ilana to share the power of taking bold actions and seizing opportunities.
Tony Khan is the founder, president, and CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a leading professional wrestling promotion. He also holds executive roles with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and Fulham F.C. in the English Premier League.
In this episode, Ilana and Tony will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:56) His Early Passion for Sports and Wrestling
(04:52) Shifting from Engineering to Finance
(08:35) Building a Data-Driven Sports Team at the Jaguars
(14:24) Overcoming Setbacks at Fulham FC
(18:41) The Birth of All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
(22:22) Earning Trust and Disrupting the Wrestling World
(28:55) Navigating AEW Through the Pandemic
(35:53) Acquiring Ring of Honor to Preserve Its Legacy
(38:21) Honoring Wrestling Legends and Their Impact
(41:10) Thriving in a Highly Competitive Industry
(43:03) The Key to Breaking into Media and Entertainment
(46:36) Making the Most of Opportunities in Life
Tony Khan is the founder, president, and CEO of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a leading professional wrestling promotion. He also holds executive roles with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and Fulham F.C. in the English Premier League. With a background in finance and sports analytics, Tony has revolutionized the business of sports entertainment, positioning AEW as a major competitor to WWE. He was awarded "Promoter of the Year" and "Best Booker" by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter for three consecutive years.
Connect with Tony:
Tony’s Instagram: instagram.com/tonyrkhan
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Transcript
Full conversation
Transcript coming soon. In the meantime, watch the YouTube version above for closed captions, or listen on Apple Podcasts / Spotify.
About Leap Academy
Where ambitious professionals leap to their next chapter.
Founded by Ilana Golan — Forbes contributor, board director, investor in 100+ companies, and former F-16 flight instructor commander — Leap Academy has helped 70,000 people across 4 continents reinvent their careers and build lasting reputations.
- American Business Awards Startup of the Year, 2023
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company
- Featured on Forbes, Yahoo Finance, NBC, CBS, ABC

Founder & CEO
Ilana Golan
Hosts every episode. Has guided thousands of professionals through career reinventions, leadership leaps, and brand building.
70,000
Lives impacted
$60M
Market value
4
Continents
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