Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming services break records with Paris Olympics

A new era for streaming sports

In just two days, Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platforms, Max and Discovery+, have attracted more unique viewers for the Paris Olympics than they did for the entire Tokyo 2021 Summer Games. This remarkable achievement underscores the growing influence of digital platforms in the realm of sports broadcasting.

Max’s international launch and its impact

Max, which launched internationally just ahead of the Olympics, has seen a surge in new subscribers. The games have accounted for a staggering 80% of the total streaming audience among European subscribers. This is a significant increase, with five times more viewers tuning in to the Paris games compared to the same period during the Tokyo Olympics.

Record-breaking subscriber acquisitions

Over the opening weekend, Warner Bros. Discovery set a new record for retail gross streaming subscriber acquisitions in a single day across Europe, surpassing their expectations. This milestone highlights the strong appeal of the Paris Olympics and the effectiveness of Max’s international rollout.

Streaming minutes soar

Warner Bros. Discovery revealed that the Paris Olympics have driven almost 1 billion streaming minutes across Europe. This figure is more than seven times higher than at the same point during Tokyo 2020 and already represents 75% of the total minutes from those games. Viewers on Max and Discovery+ are also spending 63% more time watching the games compared to Tokyo 2020.

CEO’s perspective

“The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are off to a fantastic start,” said JB Perrette, CEO and president of global streaming and games at Warner Bros. Discovery. He emphasized that the service’s “powerful and unique combination of premium movies and scripted content, the best of real-life entertainment, and many of the biggest events in international sports is bringing more people to Max and keeping them engaged for even longer.” Perrette expressed excitement about building on this early success over the next two weeks.

Enhanced user experience

Andrew Georgiou, president and managing director for Warner Bros. Discovery U.K & Ireland and WBD Sports Europe, noted the anticipation for Paris 2024 and the rewarding response to their sports production and user experience. “In only a few days, we’ve seen how the combination of premium sport and entertainment brings an audience together on all platforms,” Georgiou said.

Centralized coverage and innovative production

As Warner Bros. Discovery marks its first Olympic Games as a newly-merged media company, they have centralized their Paris 2024 coverage with a splashy open-air production hub. Nicknamed WBD House, this facility is built atop Paris’ Hotel Raphaël and offers panoramic views and ample studio space. It features commentary in 13 markets, houses four studios, and three stand-up positions, all with views over Parisian landmarks hosting competition sites.

Eurosport’s extensive coverage

WBD’s pay-TV banner, Eurosport, will broadcast 3,800 live hours, including all 329 medal events. Each of the 32 Olympic sports will have a dedicated page through Max or Discovery+, ensuring comprehensive coverage for viewers.

The future of sports streaming

The success of Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming services during the Paris Olympics highlights the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting. With the increasing popularity of digital platforms, traditional TV networks face new challenges and opportunities. The ability to offer a seamless and engaging user experience will be crucial for attracting and retaining viewers in this competitive market.

For more information and to watch the latest trailers, visit Max and Discovery+.

Personal reflections for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts:

As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, the integration of sports into streaming platforms like Max and Discovery+ is a fascinating development. It reflects the broader trend of media convergence, where different forms of entertainment are brought together under one roof. This not only enhances the user experience but also offers a more holistic approach to content consumption.

For music lovers, the synergy between sports and entertainment can be seen in the curated playlists and soundtracks that accompany major events like the Olympics. These playlists often feature a mix of popular and emerging artists, providing a unique listening experience that complements the visual spectacle of the games.

In-depth analysis and distinctive comments:

The success of Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming services during the Paris Olympics can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the strategic timing of Max’s international launch capitalized on the global excitement surrounding the Olympics. Secondly, the comprehensive coverage and high-quality production values offered by WBD House and Eurosport ensured that viewers had access to a premium viewing experience.

Moreover, the integration of sports with other forms of entertainment on Max and Discovery+ has created a more engaging and immersive platform. This approach not only attracts sports fans but also appeals to a broader audience who may be interested in movies, TV series, and real-life entertainment.

the Paris Olympics have set a new benchmark for sports streaming, demonstrating the potential of digital platforms to revolutionize the way we consume live events. As the landscape of media continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other streaming services adapt and innovate to keep pace with these changes.

For more insights and to explore the latest content, visit Max and Discovery+.