HBO Max is expanding its sports coverage. Turner Sports, a WarnerMedia subsidiary, has secured an agreement with the US Soccer Federation to broadcast matches exclusively on TNT, TBS, and HBO Max.
WarnerMedia announced on Tuesday that as part of the eight-year deal that will start in 2023, HBO Max will stream more than 20 games for both the men’s and women’s national teams each year. TNT and TBS, both owned by WarnerMedia, will show around half of them at the same time, while the other half will only be available on HBO Max.
“This is a significant milestone for Turner Sports and WarnerMedia, further demonstrating our commitment to the distribution of premium live sports content on HBO Max, while simultaneously fueling our leading entertainment networks, digital and social assets,” said Lenny Daniels, President, Turner Sports. “We’re excited to spotlight one of the most popular Women’s teams in the world, along with an ascending Men’s National Team, over the eight years of this agreement. This partnership offers us an opportunity to engage with their avid, young and diverse fan bases through all of our Turner Sports and Bleacher Report platforms.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Turner Sports at this amazing time for soccer in the United States,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “During our discussions it was clear how dedicated they are to growing soccer in the United States, especially their commitment to expand the women’s game. As we build towards 2026 and beyond, we have found a fantastic partner to spotlight the stories of our Women’s and Men’s National Teams.”
According to the terms of the agreement, Turner Sports will be the exclusive domestic, English-language rightsholder for U.S. National Team World Cup qualifiers, National Team friendlies (including premium U.S. matches against Mexico), send-off matches and special events preceding and following the World Cup and Olympic Games, and the SheBelieves Cup, among other events involving the Women’s and Men’s National Soccer Teams.
Additional highlights:
- Turner Sports and Bleacher Report will have exclusive rights to live event coverage, including the potential to create interactive companion broadcasting experiences and/or newly developed matches or tournaments; behind-the-scenes content, such as the opportunity to produce docuseries and ancillary programming; along with bespoke digital experiences, in association with both teams;
- Bleacher Report, including its leading B/R Football platform, will have expansive digital and highlight rights;
- Turner Sports will have TV Everywhere rights that will allow its networks to make these matches and related programming available to authenticated subscribers across all WarnerMedia platforms;
- The agreement also includes additional content and storytelling opportunities throughout the WarnerMedia portfolio, eCommerce rights, the possibility of integrating sports betting experiences, among others.
