By Mallory Mattingly
As Warner Bros. Discovery splits into two, HBO Max may be left without key content, such as sports.
In early June, Warner Bros. Discovery announced “plans to separate the company, in a tax-free transaction, into two publicly traded companies, enabling each to maximize its potential.”
The shakeup is expected to complete in mid-2026.
The “Streaming & Studios” company, which will be called Warner Bros., will house “Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max, as well as their legendary film and television libraries.”
Meanwhile, the “Global Networks” business, named Discovery Global, will consist of “premier entertainment, sports and news television brands around the world, including CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., and Discovery, top free-to-air channels across Europe, and digital products such as the profitable Discovery+ streaming service and Bleacher Report (B/R).”
With the split, NBA games on TNT and CNN broadcasts could disappear from HBO Max, per Men’s Journal.
That change, however, hasn’t been confirmed yet, but a spokesperson for WBD told RXTV that “in the UK and Ireland, TNT Sports will be available on HBO Max from 2026.”
Related: Warner Bros. Discovery Ends Legal Dispute Over NBA Coverage
WBD made the split to separate its studio business from its cable and live entertainment content as cable broadly continues to struggle in the streaming age.
“The cultural significance of this great company and the impactful stories it has brought to life for more than a century have touched countless people all over the world. It’s a treasured legacy we will proudly continue in this next chapter of our celebrated history,” David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, said in a press release. “By operating as two distinct and optimized companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today’s evolving media landscape.”
“This separation will invigorate each company by enabling them to leverage their strengths and specific financial profiles. This will also allow each company to pursue important investment opportunities and drive shareholder value,” Gunnar Wiedenfels, CFO of Warner Bros. Discovery, who will now serve as President and CEO of Global Networks, added. “At Global Networks, we will focus on further identifying innovative ways to work with distribution partners to create value for both linear and streaming viewers globally while maximizing our network assets and driving free cash flow.”
While it remains to be seen if sports will leave HBO Max, the split will probably mean some changes for customer as new subscriptions are likely in the pipeline.
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