Warner Bros. Discovery Scraps Plans for Max Sports Subscription Level
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has announced that it will not launch a separate sports tier on its Max streaming service, marking a significant shift in its streaming strategy. This decision comes as part of a broader corporate restructuring, with the company splitting into two separate entities: one focused on streaming and studios (including HBO Max, Warner Bros. Television, and DC Studios), and another focusing on global networks like CNN, TNT Sports, and Discovery.
The move away from a dedicated sports tier means that sports content, currently provided by B/R Sports on Max, will remain integrated within the existing platform. However, specific details about the future management and featuring of B/R Sports content have not been disclosed. The focus appears to be on consolidating sports broadcasting under the global networks segment, such as TNT Sports, while Max continues to offer a more general entertainment service.
This decision is based on WBD's assessment of how users engage with sports and news on Max. The company is also actively involved in exploring ways to evolve the sports distribution ecosystem in the U.S. and making ongoing investments in its premium sports and news portfolio.
The cancellation of the separate sports tier ends a controversial proposal that faced criticisms of monopolistic practices and a lawsuit from DirecTV. Beginning on March 30, B/R Sports and CNN Max will no longer be available on the Basic with Ads tier of the Max streaming service.
The company is expected to split off its legacy U.S. cable networks from its streaming Max service and the studio business this year. With this restructuring, WBD aims to better navigate the streaming market and improve profitability to manage debt.
JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games at WBD, stated that the best place for sports content is within the Standard and Premium tiers of Max, ensuring that subscribers can continue to enjoy sports content within the service. The company currently offers over 1,700 live games and events annually from various leagues, including the NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, NASCAR, and tennis's French Open.
[1] Sources: WarnerMedia, Warner Bros. Discovery press releases and statements.
- Instead of launching a separate sports tier, sports content from B/R Sports will stay integrated within the existing Max streaming platform.
- With the restructuring, the global networks segment, like TNT Sports, will focus on consolidating sports broadcasting, while Max offers general entertainment.
- The cancellation of the sports tier ends a previously controversial proposal, which faced criticisms of monopolistic practices and a lawsuit from DirecTV.
- JB Perrette, CEO of Global Streaming and Games at WBD, believes the best place for sports content is within the Standard and Premium tiers of Max, ensuring subscribers can continue to enjoy a variety of sports events, such as NBA, MLB, NHL, and tennis's French Open.
