HBO Max Confirms UK Launch Date and Subscription Pricing
London, 9 February 2026 – Warner Bros. Discovery has officially ended years of speculation by announcing the definitive launch date for HBO Max in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The streaming service is scheduled to go live on 26 March 2026, marking a significant shift in the British media landscape as the company transitions away from its long-standing exclusive licensing agreement with Sky. Executives at a London unveiling event touted a “last mover advantage,” focusing on a strategy of content quality over sheer volume.
Launch Details and Strategy
The service will arrive with four distinct monthly entertainment tiers designed to compete directly with established rivals like Netflix and Disney+. JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming and Games for Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasised that the platform would serve as the exclusive home for HBO originals, Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Studios, and Discovery content. Notably, the launch will also integrate TNT Sports, providing a comprehensive hub for both cinematic entertainment and live sporting events.
Subscription Plans and Pricing
The pricing structure is designed to be competitive, with the entry-level ad-supported tier priced at £4.99 per month—undercutting several major competitors. While full details on the “Ultimate” 4K tiers are being finalised, the company has confirmed the following structure for the UK market:
| Plan Tier | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | £4.99 | Stream on 2 devices simultaneously; includes advertising. |
| Standard | TBC | Ad-free viewing on 2 devices in Full HD. |
| Premium / Ultimate | TBC | 4K UHD resolution and increased concurrent streams. |
| Sports Add-on | £30.99 | Access to TNT Sports, Eurosport, and live events. |
Impact on Sky and Existing Partnerships
The arrival of a standalone HBO Max app has prompted immediate shifts in the UK television market. Sky has recently announced the return of the “Sky One” brand to replace Sky Showcase and Sky Max, a move seen by industry analysts as a defensive strengthening of their own entertainment portfolio. While HBO Max will operate as a standalone service, Warner Bros. Discovery has hinted that a partnership with Sky may still be possible post-launch to ensure wide distribution across Sky Q and Sky Glass platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does HBO Max launch in the UK?
The service is officially scheduled to launch in the United Kingdom and Ireland on 26 March 2026.
What happened to the “Max” branding?
While the service was rebranded as “Max” in the United States and other territories in 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery has opted to revive the HBO Max branding for the UK and European expansion to leverage the high brand recognition of the HBO name.
Will I still be able to watch HBO shows on Sky?
Existing deals remain in place until the launch, but moving forward, HBO Max will be the primary destination for new HBO originals. However, discussions regarding a potential partnership between WBD and Sky are ongoing to determine if the app will be integrated into Sky’s hardware.
What content will be available at launch?
Subscribers will have access to the full HBO library (including The Last of Us and House of the Dragon), Warner Bros. films, the DC Universe, and Discovery+ content. The company also highlighted the upcoming Harry Potter series as a major future “streaming event” for the platform.