HBO Max to enter live sports with US soccer deal

Streamer HBO Max is to make a significant entry into live sports with rights to air US national team soccer.  

WarnerMedia’s Turner Sports division has struck an eight-year deal with the US Soccer Federation will make TNT/TBS and HBO Max the exclusive English-language home to more than 20 Women’s and Men’s national team matches each year.

The new agreement, to begin in 2023, will feature matches on TNT or TBS and a full slate of matches available through the HBO Max streaming platform – marking the first time that the streamer has entered the live sports world.

Turner Sports will be the exclusive domestic, English-language rightsholder for US national team World Cup qualifiers, national team friendlies including premium US matches against Mexico, send-off matches and special events leading up to and following the World Cup and Olympic Games, and the SheBelieves Cup, among additional events involving the Women’s and Men’s national soccer teams.

The strategic partnership will also include digital and highlight rights for sports fans portal Bleacher Report and its portfolio brands.

HBO Max will live stream more than 20 United States National Soccer Team matches each year. TNT or TBS will televise approximately half of those matches – all simulcast on HBO Max – with the remaining matches being exclusive to the rapidly growing streaming platform.

“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. 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,” said Lenny Daniels, President, Turner Sports.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Turner Sports at this amazing time for soccer in the United States. 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,” said US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone.