Warner Bros Discovery is holding early talks with multiple platforms about the distribution of its Max service when it launches in the UK in 2026.
Max is launching later in the UK market than in other European territories because its HBO content is currently the subject of an exclusive deal with Sky, which incorporates shows such as Game of Thrones and Succession into its Sky Atlantic channel.
Max also features content from Warner Bros, Eurosport and the existing Discovery+ streaming platform, also available on Sky, but widely distributed elsewhere.
According to the FT, which first reported on the story, WBD has also entered into discussions with other broadcasters that include Amazon Prime, Virgin Media and EE.
It is also still in negotiations with Sky and it seems somewhat implausible that the Comcast unit would be frozen out given the 10 million subscribers it is able to offer. It may however lose its exclusivity.
Sky viewers can currently watch the basic Discovery+ service, without TNT Sports free of charge.
WBD is not commenting on the story.
Separately, Virgin Media is close to renewing its contract to carry TNT Sports, which is jointly owned by BT and WBD. The premium channel previously known as BT Sport features the Premier League, Premiership Rugby and international cricket.
Sources said an agreement is likely before or after this week’s deadline.
