The planned merger between Paramount+ and HBO Max is coming soon but first things first is a bundle combining the two streaming services.
On Monday, Skydance held its first financial call with investors after the $110 billion deal for the company that also houses Paramount acquired Warner Bros. and all its assets. In a letter to investors, Skydance CEO David Ellison outlined plans to combine the two streaming services with a bundle package already planned for early 2027.
“We see a meaningful opportunity
to grow reach and engagement, improve retention, and increase the revenue and profitability of our streaming services in line with or ahead of the leading competitors in the industry.” Ellison said in the letter. “Our first step toward bringing together Paramount+ and HBO Max is to offer them in a single bundle.
“Starting in early 2027, consumers will be able to subscribe to both world-class streaming services at an even greater value. We look forward to sharing more details on the bundle and our streaming roadmap in the coming months.”
Ellison touted a combined reach of 203 million aggregate subscribers between Paramount+ and HBO Max, although he didn’t mention any prices for the combined service when that bundle launches.
Of course, Paramount+ is the exclusive home to the UFC and all of the promotion’s events.
Right now, Parmount+ runs $8.99 per month with an ad-supported plan and $13.99 per month for the ad-free premium plan. Meanwhile, HBO Max costs $10.99 per month for the ad-supported plan, $18.49 per month for the standard ad-free plan and $22.99 per month for the premium plan that includes 4K video, Dolby Atmos sound and accessibility up to four devices.
After the merger closed, TKO Group Holdings president and COO Mark Shapiro revealed that talks are already ongoing about incorporating UFC programming on more Warner Bros. networks such as HBO in the future.
“We’re in conversation as we speak with Skydance about the best way to maximize audience across the Skydance platform,” Shapiro said during a TKO financial call. “We have a great partnership with the entire team there. I used to work with David Berson, who’s the head of Skydance Sports, from our days at ESPN. He’s super creative.
“We will be maximizing HBO, TNT, Paramount+, CBS, all in the name of expanding eyeballs, expanding viewership, growing audience, and increasing engagement. Fully aligned strategically with Skydance and, frankly, they made a huge investment in UFC, and we want to see that we help them maximize their returns.”
Judging by this latest news, the merger between Paramount+ and HBO Max is happening sooner than later.
