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Warner Bros. Discovery Eyes Global Growth as Streaming Profits Surge

The entertainment giant plans to expand its Max service to new markets, targeting 150 million subscribers by 2026 while taking a cautious approach to sports rights.

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Overview

  • Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service added 6.4 million subscribers in Q4 2024, reaching 116.9 million globally across 70 countries.
  • The company projects reaching 150 million global subscribers by the end of 2026, driven by expansion into markets like Australia, Germany, Italy, and the UK.
  • WBD's streaming segment generated $2.65 billion in Q4 revenue, a 5% year-over-year increase, with a $409 million quarterly profit for its direct-to-consumer business.
  • CEO David Zaslav emphasized a selective approach to acquiring sports rights, highlighting the challenges posed by rising costs and competition in the sports market.
  • The company is restructuring its operations into two segments—television networks and film studios/Max—with completion expected in Q2 2025.