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Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery Announce Multi-Year Distribution Agreements Across Xfinity and Sky UK

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Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have announced comprehensive distribution agreements for Xfinity and Sky UK customers. The deal includes:

1. Renewal of WBD's linear cable networks distribution for Xfinity TV (including TNT, TBS, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, TLC, and Investigation Discovery)

2. Continued HBO carriage and expanded rights for ad-supported versions of Max and Discovery+ in streaming bundles

3. Enhanced partnership with Sky UK and Ireland, featuring the integration of Max's ad-supported app when launched in early 2026, bundled for Sky and NOW customers

The agreements strengthen content distribution across linear television, apps, and streaming services, though financial terms were not disclosed.

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) e Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) hanno annunciato accordi di distribuzione completi per i clienti di Xfinity e Sky UK. L'accordo include:

1. Il rinnovo della distribuzione delle reti via cavo lineari di WBD per Xfinity TV (inclusi TNT, TBS, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, TLC e Investigation Discovery)

2. Il continuo supporto per HBO e diritti ampliati per le versioni con pubblicità di Max e Discovery+ nei pacchetti di streaming

3. Una partnership potenziata con Sky UK e Irlanda, che prevede l'integrazione dell'app di Max supportata da pubblicità al suo lancio all'inizio del 2026, offerta in pacchetto per i clienti di Sky e NOW

Gli accordi rafforzano la distribuzione dei contenuti attraverso la televisione lineare, le app e i servizi di streaming, sebbene i termini finanziari non siano stati divulgati.

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) y Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) han anunciado acuerdos de distribución integrales para los clientes de Xfinity y Sky UK. El acuerdo incluye:

1. Renovación de la distribución de las redes de cable lineales de WBD para Xfinity TV (incluyendo TNT, TBS, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, TLC e Investigation Discovery)

2. Continuación de la transmisión de HBO y derechos ampliados para las versiones con publicidad de Max y Discovery+ en paquetes de streaming

3. Una asociación mejorada con Sky UK e Irlanda, con la integración de la aplicación de Max soportada por anuncios cuando se lance a principios de 2026, agrupada para clientes de Sky y NOW

Los acuerdos fortalecen la distribución de contenidos a través de la televisión lineal, aplicaciones y servicios de streaming, aunque los términos financieros no se divulgaron.

콤캐스트 (NASDAQ: CMCSA)워너 브라더스 디스커버리 (WBD)가 Xfinity와 Sky UK 고객을 위한 종합 배급 계약을 발표했습니다. 이 계약은 다음을 포함합니다:

1. Xfinity TV를 위한 WBD의 선형 케이블 네트워크 배급 갱신 (TNT, TBS, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, TLC 및 Investigation Discovery 포함)

2. HBO 방송 계속 및 광고 지원 버전의 Max 및 Discovery+에 대한 확장된 권리 제공

3. 2026년 초 출시될 Max 광고 지원 앱의 통합을 포함한 Sky UK 및 아일랜드와의 파트너십 강화, Sky 및 NOW 고객을 위한 번들 제공

이번 계약은 선형 TV, 앱 및 스트리밍 서비스를 통한 콘텐츠 배급을 강화하지만 재정 조건은 공개되지 않았습니다.

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) et Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) ont annoncé des accords de distribution complets pour les clients de Xfinity et Sky UK. L'accord comprend :

1. Renouvellement de la distribution des réseaux câblés linéaires de WBD pour Xfinity TV (y compris TNT, TBS, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, TLC et Investigation Discovery)

2. Poursuite de la diffusion de HBO et droits élargis pour les versions soutenues par la publicité de Max et Discovery+ dans des bundles de streaming

3. Partenariat renforcé avec Sky UK et l'Irlande, comprenant l'intégration de l'application soutenue par la publicité de Max lors de son lancement début 2026, regroupée pour les clients de Sky et NOW

Les accords renforcent la distribution de contenu à travers la télévision linéaire, les applications et les services de streaming, bien que les conditions financières n'aient pas été divulguées.

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) und Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) haben umfassende Vertriebsvereinbarungen für Xfinity- und Sky-UK-Kunden angekündigt. Der Deal umfasst:

1. Verlängerung der Distribution der linearen Kabelnetze von WBD für Xfinity TV (einschließlich TNT, TBS, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, TLC und Investigation Discovery)

2. Fortsetzung der HBO-Übertragungen und erweiterte Rechte für die werbefinanzierten Versionen von Max und Discovery+ in Streaming-Paketen

3. Verstärkung der Partnerschaft mit Sky UK und Irland, die die Integration der werbefinanzierten Max-App vorsieht, die Anfang 2026 gestartet wird, und als Paket für Sky- und NOW-Kunden angeboten wird

Die Vereinbarungen stärken die Inhaltsdistribution über lineares Fernsehen, Apps und Streaming-Dienste, obwohl die finanziellen Bedingungen nicht bekannt gegeben wurden.

Positive
  • Secured long-term distribution rights for WBD's content portfolio
  • Expanded streaming rights for Max and Discovery+ ad-supported versions
  • Enhanced content offering for Sky UK and Ireland customers through Max integration
  • Maintained distribution of valuable linear cable networks for Xfinity TV
Negative
  • None.

Insights

This comprehensive distribution deal significantly strengthens both companies' market positions. The multi-year agreements ensure Comcast retains access to WBD's valuable content library while expanding streaming rights for Max and Discovery+. The deal's structure, incorporating both traditional linear TV and streaming platforms, demonstrates strategic adaptation to evolving viewer preferences.

The UK expansion through Sky is particularly noteworthy, positioning WBD for stronger international growth when Max launches in early 2026. The non-exclusive nature of the Max app distribution suggests WBD maintains flexibility for additional partnerships while leveraging Sky's established market presence. The bundling strategy with Sky Cinema and NOW streaming service should drive subscriber retention and reduce customer acquisition costs.

For Comcast, this deal secures critical content assets and enhances its competitive position against pure-play streaming services. The ability to package ad-supported versions of Max and Discovery+ provides valuable flexibility in pricing and bundling strategies.

While financial terms weren't disclosed, this deal carries significant economic implications. The long-term nature of the agreements provides revenue stability for WBD through guaranteed distribution fees, while the expanded streaming rights create additional monetization opportunities through advertising revenue sharing and potential subscriber growth.

For Comcast, the deal preserves a important content pipeline that helps retain high-value cable subscribers while expanding its streaming offerings. The ability to bundle ad-supported tiers of Max and Discovery+ could improve margins compared to traditional carriage fees. The Sky UK component adds particular value by strengthening the company's international content portfolio ahead of Max's 2026 launch.

The agreement's structure, balancing traditional linear rights with expanded streaming capabilities, suggests both companies are effectively managing the transition to digital distribution while protecting core revenue streams.

Renewals Reached on WBD Linear Networks and HBO for Xfinity TV Customers as well as Expanded Streaming Rights for Max and Discovery+ in the U.S.

Sky and WBD Expand Their Partnership to Increase Content Available to Sky and NOW Customers Through a Bundle with the Max App, in Addition to Sky Cinema and the Existing Series on Sky Atlantic That Customers Will Enjoy Through Their Term

PHILADELPHIA & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) and Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) today announced long-term agreements that will deliver WBD’s extensive portfolio of content to Xfinity and Sky UK and Ireland customers using Comcast’s global technology platform across linear television, apps, and streaming services.

Comcast has entered into renewal agreements that further the companies’ longstanding distribution relationship with WBD’s portfolio of linear cable networks for Xfinity TV customers, including TNT, TBS, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, TLC, and Investigation Discovery. In addition, the agreements provide continued carriage of HBO and expand Comcast’s rights to package the ad-supported versions of Max and Discovery+ in its streaming bundles. Comcast will also continue to offer WBD content as part of its U.S. NOW TV streaming services.

“We extended our partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery to distribute its networks and expanded our ability to deliver its premium streaming content, including Max and Discovery+, in a way that provides more choice and flexibility to all of our customers as the video ecosystem continues to evolve,” said Greg Rigdon, President of Content Acquisition for Comcast. “Through these agreements, we will bring Warner Bros. Discovery’s extensive portfolio to our customers however they want to consume the content across our existing and future linear television and streaming bundles.”

“These broad and multi-year agreements underscore the value and appeal of our linear portfolio for audiences in the U.S.,” said Bruce Campbell, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery. “Sky UK is an ideal partner for us in the UK and Ireland as we prepare for Max’s launch in early 2026. We are pleased that Xfinity and Sky UK subscribers will continue to enjoy our award-winning and popular content on our networks and across our streaming platforms.”

The companies also announced that Sky UK and Warner Bros. Discovery have broadened their collaboration to bring the very best of Warner Bros. Discovery television and movies to Sky UK and NOW customers through a new long-term partnership in the UK and Ireland. Building on the award-winning WBD content available today on Sky Cinema and the existing series on Sky Atlantic, the agreement will now include a new, non-exclusive ad-supported Max app when WBD launches the service in the UK and Ireland in early 2026.

The Max ad-supported service will be bundled for Sky UK and Ireland customers, providing highly anticipated new shows on the service and more WBD content complementing Sky’s leading position in seamless aggregation. In addition, NOW UK and Ireland Entertainment members will also receive bundled access to the ad-supported version of Max seamlessly integrated into Sky’s NOW experience alongside other top content.

“This new partnership provides an expanded portfolio of content for our customers who enjoy Warner Bros. Discovery’s popular storytelling. Sky customers will be able to enjoy the Max app, WBD movies and the TV shows currently on Sky channels, and a seamless integration of the Max service into our NOW streaming experience,” said Dana Strong, Group CEO of Sky. “The combination of content from our partners, alongside our slate of Sky Originals, and Sky’s leading aggregation of the UK and Ireland’s best content apps gives us an unrivalled entertainment proposition and an exceptional line-up of the world’s best shows.”

“Today’s announcement is very exciting for everyone who loves award-winning scripted entertainment and movies. Our new agreement will continue Warner Bros. Discovery’s long-standing collaboration with Sky UK. Arriving in early 2026, the market-wide launch of Max in the UK & Ireland is a significant step in our global roll-out and will be the place where audiences find incredible new shows including the future Harry Potter series from HBO,” said Andrew Georgiou, President & Managing Director for WBD UK & Ireland.

Financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.

Press Contacts:



Comcast

Jennifer Khoury (215) 286-7408

John Demming (215) 286-8011



Warner Bros. Discovery

Robert Gibbs (347) 268-3017

Megan Klein (310) 210-5018



Sky

Matt Ridsdale +44 7545 577754

Stephen Lotinga +44 7855 480361



WBD UK & Ireland

Fiona McLachlan +44 7741 727092

Source: Comcast Corporation

FAQ

When will Max launch in the UK and Ireland under the Comcast-WBD deal (CMCSA)?

Max is scheduled to launch in the UK and Ireland in early 2026 as part of the agreement between Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery.

What channels are included in the Comcast-WBD distribution agreement (CMCSA)?

The agreement includes TNT, TBS, CNN, Discovery, Food Network, HGTV, TLC, Investigation Discovery, and HBO.

Will Sky UK customers get access to Max through the Comcast-WBD deal (CMCSA)?

Yes, Sky UK and Ireland customers will receive bundled access to the ad-supported version of Max when it launches in early 2026.

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