The future of TNT Sports is about to change as Warner Bros. Discovery prepares its landmark move of splitting into two companies: Global Networks and WBD Streaming & Studio, in a move that is set to redraw the sports streaming map. TNT Sports Chairman and CEO Luis Silberwasser spoke to CNBC’s Alex Sherman regarding the future of Global Networks and its sports properties.
With the spinoff, Global Networks will consist of popular linear channels, including the live sports airing on TNT, TBS and truTV. Silberwasser told Sherman that until the two companies officially split, HBO Max will continue to be the streaming home of MLB, NHL, college basketball, College Football Playoffs, NASCAR, the French Open, and other events under the TNT Sports portfolio.
The split is expected to be completed next year and Silberwasser sees sports as an important part of Global Networks.
“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.”
Teaming With Other Streamers & Adding More Sports
TNT Sports will have the freedom to strike its own media‑rights deals and explore partnerships outside the WBD family—potentially launching a standalone app or teaming up with rival platforms such as ESPN+, Peacock, Paramount+, Prime Video, or others in ways we haven’t seen before.
“We can reimagine our direct-to-consumer strategy,” said Silberwasser to CNBC. “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.”
Silberwasser also said he’s looking to grow the TNT Sports portfolio with interest in UFC and F1, and the possibility of making them exclusive properties for HBO Max or their future streamer.
“We were looking at F1 as part of that, as well as UFC. We’ll see if anything materializes,” Silberwasser he told CNBC.
As currently figured under the WBD umbrella, there are connections to UFC and F1. The MMA promotion is currently negotiating a new media deal in the United States; however, abroad, WBD streams on Max, Eurosport, and Discovery+ in many markets, including Italy, the UK, and the Netherlands.
In the past, Silberwasser has acknowledged a gap in his company’s combat sports portfolio. Although they are home to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), he sees UFC as a “fantastic” property, and the MMA promotion has “perked” his company’s interest.
Formula 1 is also searching for a new deal, with reports that Apple and ESPN are interested. Notably, F1 the Movie, which was produced by Apple Studios, has proved to be a commercial success, bringing in around $300 million at the box office. Warner Bros. Pictures acquired the theatrical, home entertainment, and distribution rights for the Brad Pitt-led sports drama.
Exclusivity seems to be a big factor in the next moves for Global Networks and TNT Sports. Later this year, the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the first NFL game to stream free on YouTube, which was a game that Silberwasser told CNBC he wanted to bring exclusively to HBO Max.
“It’s logical that, if you simulcast the game, you’re not going to see the subscriber numbers that you would see if you have an exclusive NFL game,” Silberwasser told CNBC.
As the digital landscape of sports continues to change, leagues are always searching for new media partners, and Global Networks could soon be a major player for streamers interested in live sports.
Credit: CNBC