Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) ⁤has announced the launch⁤ of its combined streaming service, HBO Max, in the UK in March 2026, and in Germany and Italy on January 13th, 2026. This expansion follows the ‌initial ⁢US launch‌ of HBO Max in 2023 and resolves delays stemming from content agreements‌ with ⁣Sky.

Content Integration and availability

The new‌ streaming service will integrate content from WBD’s extensive portfolio of film and television studios, alongside factual and ⁣sports programming previously available on Discovery+. ⁢⁣ In Germany and Italy, this includes Eurosport content,⁣ while the UK launch will feature TNT Sports. This consolidation aims to offer‌ a comprehensive entertainment‍ package‌ to subscribers.

The launch in Germany and Italy also encompasses Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg, strategically targeting key winter ⁤sports markets ahead of the ​2026 ‌Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. This timing allows WBD to capitalize​ on increased viewership and subscriber interest during the⁢ Games.

Sky Content Deal and Previous Delays

The‌ rollout of HBO max in​ the UK, Germany, and Italy was ⁢initially delayed due to existing content⁤ agreements with Sky. SportsPro ⁤reported in February 2023 ⁢that a ⁣deal​ with Sky was necessary to untangle these arrangements before launching ‌the combined⁤ streaming⁢ service. ‍The resolution of this ​agreement has paved the​ way for the 2026 launch dates.

TNT Sports Integration⁤ in the⁢ UK

The inclusion⁣ of ​TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) ​in‌ the UK offering is a notable component of WBD’s strategy. Deadline reported in February 2023 that WBD ⁣rebranded BT Sport ​as⁢ TNT⁤ Sports, signaling a closer integration of​ sports ‍content into the⁣ streaming platform. This provides⁤ subscribers with access to a wide range of live sports events, including football, rugby, and other popular competitions.