The announcement that Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) will divide into two separate entities has introduced uncertainty about the future direction of TNT Sports. Despite being separated from WBD’s streaming and studio divisions, which include the HBO Max platform, TNT Sports remains keen on acquiring major sports broadcasting rights.
TNT Sports Leadership Expresses Continued Interest in High-Profile Sports Rights
In an interview with CNBC’s Alex Sherman, TNT Sports CEO Luis Silberwasser conveyed the company’s ongoing ambition to secure broadcasting rights for UFC and Formula 1, both currently in the midst of negotiations for new deals. Silberwasser emphasized that arbitration for these rights will be challenging under the current circumstances.
With the split set to take effect only next year, TNT Sports presently offers HBO Max as its primary streaming platform. The future ownership of HBO Max will fall under a company led by David Zaslav, who has recently indicated that sports have played a less significant role in HBO Max’s strategy. Silberwasser, however, minimized the potential negative impact this might have on TNT Sports.
“We can control our own destiny,”
Silberwasser told Sherman.
“Sports becomes a core pillar of this new company. I like the hand we have and the opportunities this presents us to continue to grow.”
Negotiation Challenges Amid Transitional Period
The upcoming split complicates TNT Sports’ efforts to negotiate new sports rights because any agreements made now would involve HBO Max. Despite Silberwasser’s optimism, other major players such as ESPN, Netflix, and Amazon are showing strong interest in UFC rights, while ESPN and Apple have been linked to Formula 1 rights negotiations.
“We were looking at F1 as part of that, as well as UFC,”
Silberwasser said.
“We’ll see if anything materializes.”
Adapting Strategies for a Post-Split Sports Media Landscape
Looking beyond the split, Silberwasser expressed confidence in TNT Sports’ ability to redefine its direct-to-consumer approach. He suggested the company could explore new partnerships and sports products beyond HBO Max to expand its presence in sports broadcasting.
“We can reimagine our direct-to-consumer strategy,”
he said.
“Sports will continue to be on HBO Max, but it doesn’t have to be the only place. We can now think about other partnerships, including having our own sports product and partnering with other platforms.”
This strategic flexibility may prove essential as TNT Sports tries to strengthen its position in competitive markets for UFC and Formula 1 rights, highlighting the significance of the Warner Bros. Discovery split for the future of sports media.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is 17 banned in F1?
A. The number 17 is the sole driver number permanently retired in Formula 1, honoring Jules Bianchi. Bianchi, a French driver, was using this number when he had a tragic accident in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, born in 1985, is a British race car driver in Formula One. He currently races for Mercedes and has previously driven for McLaren. Hamilton openly talks about his experiences with ADHD and explores his various interests and hobbies.
Q. Why is No. 17 banned in F1?
A. Certain F1 driver numbers are not allowed or can’t be used due to specific reasons. For instance, number 17 is off-limits to honor Jules Bianchi, who tragically died in a crash in 2014.
Q. What F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton is a British Formula One driver who races for Mercedes and has previously driven for McLaren. Born in 1985, he is known as Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton. He openly talks about living with ADHD and shares his various interests and passions.