The future of Warner Bros. Discovery may be in question, but the company continues to act as if nothing is happening at the moment.
WBD announced Thursday that Discovery Global, the part of the company that will house its linear television networks and Discovery+, will host its initial event on Wednesday, May 13 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden.
WBD previously announced a plan split into two companies: Discovery, which will be home to TNT, TBS, CNN, HGTV, Discovery and other linear channels led by Gunnar Weidenfels, and Warner Bros., which will be home to HBO, HBO Max and the WB Film and Television Studios, led by David Zaslav.
Although the company told Wall Street last week that it “has initiated a review of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value,” including a possible sale of all or part of the company, it is proceeding as if the split will happen anyway.
Discovery will also sell advertising for the Warner Bros. side. of the company, if the split goes through, including for HBO Max. If so, the launch would highlight the company’s standalone vision, while also showcasing HBO Max and other Warner Bros. properties.
“At Discovery Global, we will seek to inspire and empower audiences through bold storytelling and compelling stories,” said Warner Bros. Chief Financial Officer Gunnar Wiedenfels. Discovery and announced CEO of Discovery Global. “We are committed to deepening the connections between people and the world around them, while delivering innovative data-driven solutions that help brands meaningfully engage with our passionate global audiences. By uniting creativity and intelligence, we aim to build lasting partnerships and achieve measurable results.”
“As our company structure transforms, our shared commitment to creating meaningful connections between audiences and brands remains stronger than ever,” added Ryan Gould, president of U.S. and in-market advertising sales at Warner Bros. Discovery. “We look forward to showcasing how the world-class portfolios of Discovery Global and Warner Bros. can connect advertisers with high-impact consumer engagement and drive unparalleled value.
“Upfront 2026 will mark a bold new chapter for Discovery Global and Warner Bros. – where strategic vision meets brand leadership in sports, news, entertainment and streaming,” said Bobby Voltaggio, president of U.S. advertising sales and platform monetization at Warner Bros. Discovery. “Through cutting-edge innovation in ad technology, data and product development, we’re not just shaping the future: we’re inviting our partners to build it with us.”
