Featured Image and Interview with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is confident that TNT will survive without the NBA. Despite ongoing discussions with the NBA for a new rights deal, Zaslav emphasized the company’s efforts to enhance its sports lineup on its channels.

“We have been on a journey here in the U.S.,” Zaslav stated. “We added hockey, a summer of NASCAR, college football, March Madness, baseball playoffs, and U.S. Soccer to our offerings on TNT. It is a very robust offering for consumers to enjoy sports all year round.”

Zaslav also highlighted WBD’s international sports offerings, including European rights to the Olympics and various soccer rights. Additionally, he addressed the Disney-Hulu-Max bundle and the upcoming sports streaming service with Disney and Fox, emphasizing the importance of a seamless viewing experience to reduce churn.

Regarding consolidation in the industry, Zaslav mentioned that WBD plans to be “opportunistic” and “disciplined” as the company improves its balance sheet. He anticipates potential opportunities for consolidation in the market over the next few years.

In a lightning round of reactions to single words, Zaslav was asked about “Paramount,” to which he replied, “Great storytelling heritage.” As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Warner Bros. Discovery under Zaslav’s leadership appears poised to navigate the changing landscape successfully.