European viewers eager to sign up for WarnerMedia’s new streaming service HBO Max may have quite a long wait.
Because of licensing deals with already in place with Sky, the streamer will not launch in the UK, Germany or Italy until 2025.
In an interview with the Financial Times, WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar said he is “spending a lot of time thinking about what happens” once the current Sky deal ends. “There is tremendous opportunity for us to have HBO Max in the UK, Germany and other markets. Of course I’m thinking quite heavily about that,” he said.
The report suggests WarnerMedia has looked at options to “recast” its relationship with Sky, but chose not to renegotiate its contract. The company said HBO Max will not be launched in the affected territories “during the term of this partnership”.
Earlier this month, Kilar announced plans for HBO Max to launch in a further 21 territories by the end of 2021.
