BT nears sale of TNT Sports stake to Warner Bros Discovery

In the United Kingdom, BT is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to sell its 50% stake in TNT Sports to Warner Bros Discovery, as reported by the Financial Times on May 17, 2025. The sale could mark the end of BT's involvement in sports broadcasting, a field where it has operated for over a decade. Warner Bros Discovery has an existing option to buy BT's stake in the venture by the end of 2026. This move is occurring at a notable time, as media companies are constantly seeking strategies to adapt to the evolving landscape of cable TV and the rapid growth of streaming services. The partnership between BT and Discovery started in 2022 when they joined forces for a sports broadcasting collaboration, which included equal representation on the board. As both companies explore new territories to strengthen their business, the potential sale is an important milestone. Reports suggest that any finalized agreement could be announced as soon as next week, coinciding with BT's upcoming full-year results announcement. Given the ongoing challenges in the cable TV industry, where viewership has been diminishing, the proposed sale signifies the shift in focus toward faster-growing streaming services and content creation divisions. While BT has not commented publicly on the matter, Warner Bros Discovery also opted to remain silent regarding the negotiations. Should the deal go ahead, it would result in a significant change in BT's operational strategy, paving the way for a shift away from traditional sports broadcasting.