Sky offers streaming bundle as HBO Max readies UK & Ireland launch
Sky goes for bundles as HBO Max set to arrive in UK & Ireland, with the broadcaster offering savings for its Ultimate TV customers.
Sky has unveiled a new “all-in-one” entertainment push, saying it will bring Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max and Hayu together within a single Sky TV subscription in what it called a world first.
It comes as HBO - which has for decades licensed its top content to Sky under the 'Sky Atlantic' umbrella - is launching direct-to-consumer streaming in the UK & Ireland with its HBO Max app from 26 March.
As well as impacting Sky's prior exclusive hold on HBO content to UK viewers, it also sees a shake-up of how TNT Sports can deliver content, including live Premier League and European football, with HBO Max effectively also picking up the rights held by the sibling brand under Warner Bros Discovery.
Over at Sky, the broadcaster and broadband company said its eligible customers will see HBO Max streaming services sit alongside Sky TV and Sky Originals within its Sky OS experience, with apps presented together to make discovery and switching between shows easier.
It will effectively operate as the Paramount Plus and Netflix streaming apps currently do on the Sky platform.
Sky argues its value proposition for households that have many (or perhaps all) of the separate subscriptions outside of their Sky package.
Sky noted that Disney+ Standard with Ads will be included from March, HBO Max Basic with Ads will be available from 26 March (from launch in the UK & Ireland), and Hayu will be included from July, with a selection of titles available from March.
Sky Stream and Sky Glass customers with Ultimate TV will have those subscriptions added to their existing package, whilst certain Sky Q packages will also be eligible.
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Sky frames the bundle as being “worth over £20 a month”, marketing Sky Ultimate TV from £24 per month for new customers from 1 April.
“We’re proud to continue Sky’s legacy of innovation,” the company said, “making it easier than ever for people to enjoy the very best entertainment and best experience, all in one place.”
