WBD and BT to rename BT Sport as TNT Sports from July 2023

Global media giant Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has revealed that TNT Sports will become the new name for sports channel BT Sport in the UK & Ireland from July 2023. The rebranding follows the creation of a 50-50 joint venture behind the channel between UK telco BT Group and WBD, launched last September.

WBD said the new name “heralds an important step in plans to unite the premium rights from BT Sport and Eurosport under a single offer in the future”. The new brand will be activated for the first time shortly before the start of 2023/24 football season. Until then, fans will continue to receive BT Sport the same platforms as they do today.

Andrew Georgiou, board member of the JV and president and managing director, WBD Sports Europe, said that TNT Sports would be “a simpler and even more compelling offering for fans. The TNT Sports name is already synonymous with premium live sport in a number of countries around the world and a further sign of the global scale and expertise that WBD brings to its partnership with BT”.

He added: “While Warner Bros. Discovery is excited to contribute its global scale and capabilities, we are also determined to ensure ​we don’t compromise on the inimitable, local style that is at the heart of the way BT Sport has connected with fans over the past decade. Remaining authentically local will remain key to our success.”

Marc Allera, CEO BT Consumer Division and chairman of the JV, said: “We’re delighted with the progress being made on the JV. This change marks the next logical step for BT Sport as well as the broader transformation of our Consumer business. Once launched this will become a hugely exciting new premium sports offering.”

Drilling down, WBD said TNT Sports will present the live sports rights carried by BT Sport today, while Eurosport in the UK & Ireland will continue to be available in the same way as it is today before being rolled into the new brand at some time in the future. Shortly before the 2023/24 football season, discovery+ will become the streaming home for sports fans who can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one place. Taken together, this provides a line-up of live coverage that includes the Olympic Games, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Premiership Rugby, MotoGP, UFC, Boxing, WWE, tennis Grand Slams, cycling Grand Tours and the winter sports season.”