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Zaslav: HBO Max is WBD's "most important asset"
6 May
Summary
- HBO Max is WBD's most important asset, according to CEO David Zaslav.
- Warner Bros. Discovery reported a $2.9 billion loss in Q1 2026.
- Paramount Skydance acquisition expected to close in Q3 2026.
In the first quarter of 2026, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav identified HBO Max as the company's "most important asset," emphasizing its strategic value in the evolving media landscape. This declaration came during the company's Q1 2026 earnings call, where a significant net loss of $2.9 billion was reported. A substantial portion of this loss, $2.8 billion, was attributed to a payment made to Netflix.
The anticipated acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance is slated for closure in the third quarter of 2026. Zaslav highlighted that HBO Max's extensive subscriber numbers represent a key benefit for Paramount upon the deal's finalization. This strategic focus on streaming aligns with industry trends, positioning HBO Max as a crucial component for future growth.
Warner Bros. Discovery also incurred an additional $1.3 billion in expenses during the quarter, which included costs associated with restructuring and layoffs. Meanwhile, David Ellison of Paramount Skydance confirmed that "great progress" is being made toward the completion of the WBD acquisition, underscoring the momentum of this significant media consolidation.
