UK’s Sky to offer Discovery+ streaming service for free

UK platform operator Sky TV has made streaming service Discovery+ available to its subscribers at no extra charge. Starting immediately, Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream customers can sign up to the service, saving £6.99/€6.99 a month.

Elizabeth Wynn

The switch will give Sky customers free access to a range of factual shows and live sports events. Content on the service includes the 2023 Australian Open and Roland-Garros tennis, the Tour de France and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Customers already paying for Discovery+ will be automatically switched to the free offering.

Elizabeth Wynn, managing director, Sky TV, said: “We know value is important right now, so we’re pleased to bring Discovery+ to Sky TV customers at no extra cost. And if you’re a Sky Stream or Sky Glass customer, you can stream all this content straight over wi-fi with no dish, bringing together channels, shows and apps into one place.”

Antonio Ruiz, GM UK & Ireland Warner Bros. Discovery, added: “Through this offering we can bring our extensive real-life entertainment and exciting sports line-up, with the Australian Open starting today, to even more Sky customers.”

The deal raises a couple of key commercial questions. Firstly, whether Discovery+ has been struggling to gain traction as a paid-for service – since the new deal inevitable takes some revenue out of the streaming market. Secondly, how long the offer will last. Discovery+ parent Warner Bros Discovery is preparing to launch a new all-encompassing streaming platform in the next few months, so it’s not clear how long Discovery+ will exist in the streaming market as a stand-alone proposition.