WBD has an option to buy out BT’s stake before the end of 2026, the FT report added. Any deal would end BT’s involvement in sports broadcasting after more than a decade.
BT Sport was established in 2013 after BT Group’s acquisition of rights to Premier League football and Premiership rugby. TNT Sports then replaced the BT Sport brand in 2023 following the joint venture deal.
WBD intends to launch its HBO Max streaming service in the UK early in 2026. Ownership of TNT Sports would, obviously, enable WBD to fold the premium sports offering into HBO Max for a more enticing content line-up.
BT will report its full-year results on May 22nd.