Exciting news for Max! Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced that sports and news programming will be coming to the platform soon. Zaslav emphasized the importance of these categories, stating that they are what make the platform come alive. Being able to see what’s happening in the world in real-time adds a whole new level of engagement. While Zaslav didn’t provide a specific timeline for when sports and news will be added to Max, he assured that updates will be coming soon.
Adding sports and news to Max is not without its challenges. The process of migrating broadcasts from linear to streaming is complex, especially considering the carriage fees charged to pay-TV operators for networks like TNT and CNN. However, the management team at Warner Bros. Discovery is working hard to refine the programming mix and find the best way to incorporate sports and news into the platform.
In addition to Max, other streaming services are also facing similar challenges. Recent reports suggest that ESPN is planning to offer a beefed-up streaming service outside of the pay-TV bundle by 2025. Warner Bros. Discovery is focused on leveraging its sports content to create more value for shareholders and help leagues reach a wider audience.
Speaking of sports, Warner Bros. Discovery has a significant decision to make regarding the renewal of rights to the NBA when their current deal expires in 2025. Along with the NBA, the company’s sports portfolio includes the NHL, Major League Baseball, and NCAA men’s basketball.
CNN presents a separate conundrum for Warner Bros. Discovery. After shutting down the CNN+ streaming service following the merger with WarnerMedia, Zaslav is still figuring out the best strategic path for the news network. Unlike other news outlets that rely on free, ad-supported streaming, CNN’s business model has traditionally depended on distribution revenue in addition to advertising.
Exciting times lie ahead for Max as it expands its offerings and continues to evolve in the streaming landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on the addition of sports and news programming to the platform!
