Holy HBO Shocker, Batman! HBO Max Splits from Sky
February 17, 2026 
3 Comments
HBO Max and Sky TV are parting company, with the former announcing it will launch its own direct-to-consumer streaming service here mid-year.
It will part of the next wave of HBO Max’s global rollout and should at last see signature HBO shows and movies available to stream here in 4K.
Sky responds that’s it opted “not to pursue a co-exclusive content arrangement” and instead will focus on a wider range of content as evidenced by its expanded Paramount deal.
Sky will continue to screen Warner Bros. Discovery channels like Discovery and CNN International.
Here’s the HBO Max media release followed by Sky’s:
HBO Max to launch direct-to-consumer in Aotearoa New Zealand mid-2026
- Exclusive home to iconic HBO and Max Originals, alongside blockbuster hits from Warner Bros. Pictures and the DC Universe
- Highly-anticipated Harry Potter series to be available exclusively on HBO Max
- New Zealand launch part of the HBO Max global rollout, with the service now available in more than 110 markets
17 February 2026 – Auckland, New Zealand: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) today announced the launch of HBO Max as a direct-to‑consumer streaming service in Aotearoa New Zealand, available from mid-2026.
Following the successful launch in Australia in 2025, as well as Germany and Italy so far in 2026 and the UK and Ireland scheduled for next month, the New Zealand direct-to-consumer launch is part of the next wave of HBO Max’s global rollout.
HBO Max brings fans some of the world’s best entertainment, including HBO’s award‑winning series, Warner Bros. blockbuster films, iconic franchises, premium can’t miss dramas, and a broad range of factual and lifestyle content — all in one destination.
James Gibbons, APAC President at WBD said: “HBO Max is the home to some of the world’s most-watched content, including the iconic HBO, Warner Bros. and DC brands we know are hugely popular with New Zealanders. As we continue our global rollout, we are excited to bring more award-winning stories and franchises directly to fans across Aotearoa in one premium DTC offering.”
Michael Brooks, Managing Director WBD Australia and New Zealand said: “Following our incredible 2025 launch in Australia – one of the fastest-growing SVODs in Australian history – the entire ANZ team is looking forward to doing it all again with New Zealand later this year.
“We are well underway with our New Zealand direct-to-consumer launch plans and are looking forward to sharing more details in the coming months.”
HBO Max subscribers enjoy:
- HBO Originals such as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon, The White Lotus, Euphoria, Succession and True Detective
- Max Originals including Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning The Pitt and And Just Like That…
- Warner Bros.’ deep library of movies, including recent blockbusters and multiple OSCAR® nominees like One Battle After Another and Sinners
- Expansive global hit franchises including the DC Universe, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones
- Perennial fan favourites like Friends, The Big Bang Theory and Rick and Morty
- Popular factual and lifestyle content such as Outback Opal Hunters, Deadliest Catch and 90-Day Fiancé
Further details about subscription tiers, pricing and partners, as well as content and product features will be shared at a later date.
Sky evolves entertainment content offering
Sky announces it will not renew its agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in relation to HBO Max content when the current agreement concludes mid-June 2026.
Sky has decided not to pursue a co-exclusive content arrangement as WBD prepares to launch its direct-to-consumer service in New Zealand.
Sophie Moloney, Sky Chief Executive, said: “We have carried out an extensive review of our content as part of a broader entertainment strategy refresh.
“As with our sport content, we’ve used a data‐driven approach so we understand exactly what our customers watch and value across our combined portfolio.
“That work has led us to a strong conclusion: this is the right decision for Sky’s customers, and for our shareholders.
“We are focused on delivering a compelling and diverse range of content that we know our customers love, through a broad range of studio partnerships including Paramount, BBC, Studiocanal and Sony, to name a few.
“We have taken steps to redefine and strengthen our entertainment content pipeline to deliver on our strategic ambitions, including the recently-announced expansion of our agreement with Paramount.”
Sky has an ongoing partnership with WBD for channel portfolio content including the Discovery, Discovery Turbo, TLC, ID, Animal Planet and CNN International channels on Sky, as well as a Transitional Service Agreement following the acquisition of Discovery NZ.
No great loss for Sky subscribers. HBO is a shadow of its former self. Arguably if a subscriber doesn’t have the new white sky box then there is little access to HBO content outside of that broadcast on the channel. I’ve barely touched the HBO Max offering (which includes access to the movie catalogue for non-movie subscribers). Good luck to HBO Max in its DTC offering but I see little appetite in the NZ market. — Mike.
Quite surprised Sky has let this slip or it could be a stroke of genius if Paramount ends up acquiring HBO/WBD which would make HBO Max redundant and Sky back in the box seat for its content again. I do wonder if TVNZ made a possible bid. — Leo.
That’s big news in terms of Sky but I do wonder how much penetration WBD’s pay streaming option will get in New Zealand. People already get frustrated with having to sign up to multiple different pay TV options including Netflix, Disney+ and Neon so I think it’ll be a case of households dropping other services if they decide to add the new WBD option. Neon could be the hardest hit, but sports fans are more loyal with few other options outside the Sky Sport suite. — Dave.