HBO Max has launched in the UK (Image: Getty)
HBO Max has finally arrived in the UK, and it carries significant consequences for TNT Sports viewers. The streaming service went live on Thursday (March 26), six years after its US debut, with the UK among the last European nations to receive it since the beginning of its 2021 rollout.
This means the way football fans can watch the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and a range of other sports has fundamentally shifted. Since replacing BT Sport in 2023, TNT Sports had been available to stream on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and other devices via discovery+, but this is no longer the case.
Many viewers will now require access to HBO Max to stream their favourite sporting events, though there are several ways to do this through providers including Amazon and Sky. Despite the transition, however, not everything has altered, as some users will be able to use their existing login credentials and will be pleased to learn their subscription price remains unchanged.
Here’s everything you need to know about HBO Max:
How to get HBO Max in the UK
HBO Max subscriptions are available from several retailers across the UK, with the most straightforward option being HBO Max itself. It can be joined at hbomax.com and the HBO Max app, or via Prime Video where dedicated channels exist for both HBO Max and TNT Sports.
Nevertheless, Sky is offering complimentary HBO Max subscriptions with its £22 Ultimate TV package, which additionally encompasses Netflix, Disney+, Hayu and discovery+ at no additional charge. These five subscriptions are valued at approximately £240 annually, with the bundle also featuring 135 TV channels including Sky Atlantic and Sky One.
There are certain conditions to consider though, particularly that Sky will raise the Ultimate TV package to £24 when registering after March 31, so meet this deadline to lock in the present rate. Furthermore, Sky states its prices ‘may change’ throughout its 24-month contracts.
It’s also important to note that TNT Sports is not incorporated within the Sky offer and must be purchased at extra cost. New customers are able to access the standalone TNT Sports plan at an unaltered price of £30.99 on a monthly rolling basis.
What if I already subscribe to TNT Sports?
TNT Sports subscribers who held an existing membership before it transferred to HBO Max can utilise their current login credentials on the HBO Max app. Those who already maintain a discovery+ account will discover their subscription now operational on HBO Max instead.
Likewise, login credentials for those who accessed TNT Sports on its Prime Video channel can also employ their existing account.
What content is on HBO Max?
With TNT Sports now integrated into HBO Max, the broadcaster’s coverage of the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup has transferred to the new platform and can be accessed through various TNT Sports subscriptions. This also includes TNT’s coverage of rugby, MotoGP, UFC, golf, cricket, snooker, tennis and cycling.
Beyond sport, HBO Max hosts major franchises such as Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, alongside popular series including Friends, Succession and The Sopranos. It has also become the primary streaming destination for DC titles, Emmy-winning drama The Pitt and Oscar-winning films like Sinners and One Battle After Another.
How much does HBO Max cost
HBO Max pricing varies depending on the selected subscription tier, with numerous options available. Multiple pathways exist for accessing TNT Sports, including a standalone package or a combined TNT Sports and HBO Max bundle.
Subscribers can lower their monthly costs by opting for a ‘saver plan’ with a 12-month commitment.
HBO Max subscription tiers
- Basic with Ads: £4.99 per month
- Standard with Ads: £5.99 per month
- Standard: £9.99 per month
- Premium: £14.99 per month
- Standard with Ads and TNT Sports: £36.98 per month
- Standard and TNT Sports: £40.98 per month
- Premium and TNT Sports: £45.98 per month
Saver plans (12-month minimum term)
- Standard with Ads and TNT Sports: £27.99 per month
- Standard and TNT Sports: £30.99 per month
- Premium and TNT Sports: £34.99 per month
- TNT Sports: £25.99 per month