A&E’s indefinite suspension of “Duck Dynasty” patriarch Phil Robertson has massive monetary implications for the network, which has experienced 50% growth each quarter this year since the reality show caught its stride last December.

The show’s ratings are historic. As Forbes reported in November, “Duck Dynasty” has become history’s most popular reality show, surpassing 11 million viewers in this August’s season opener. Monetarily, the numbers are even better: the franchise is expected to bring in $400 million in product tie-ins by the end of 2013.

The marketing potential of the show has transformed A&E’s product line. Kate Winn, A&E’s senior vice president of consumer products, stated that A&E has experienced a 50% increase in growth “quarter by quarter” this year.

Another major beneficiary of the franchise is Walmart, who in June, reported that its highest selling product was a “Duck Dynasty” shirt. The company currently stocks hundreds of the 1000+ franchise products. Bass Pro Shops, Universal Music, and Hallmark are among other distributors who have drawn big dollars from the massively popular show.

With movements against A&E sprouting up on the heels of the suspension of Robertson—which many, including TruthRevolt, find to be based in anti-religious sentiment rather than concern for political correctness—the pressure on A&E’s leadership is all the more intense. And big money is on the line.