Sky, a major European cable TV provider, has sued Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) over not receiving rights to shows under their previous agreement. In the lawsuit filed in New York on September 27, Sky alleges WBD has repeatedly failed to provide the minimum number of shows required each year by their 2019 deal. A key issue is whether Sky can partner on the upcoming Harry Potter television series.
The 2019 agreement between Sky and WBD was intended for high-quality co-produced shows to air on Sky services in the UK, Italy and Germany. Sky claims WBD did not meet the quotas of four shows annually in 2021, 2022 and 2023 that were part of this deal.
Sky believes it should have rights to the new Harry Potter series under the terms of the agreement. Scheduled for release in 2026 or 2027, the series will adapt J.K. Rowling’s popular novels for television. However, WBD now plans to keep the series exclusively on its streaming service Max, which will launch in Europe that same year.
Originally announced as a Max Original, the Harry Potter series was later reclassified as an HBO production. This is an important distinction because Sky’s contract does not cover shows made for HBO’s television channel. Sky argues it faces losing hundreds of millions in revenue from being denied rights to programs like Harry Potter.
In response, a WBD spokesperson said the lawsuit is an attempt to gain leverage in ongoing negotiations over renewing the agreement when it expires at the end of 2025. WBD maintains the series falls outside the current deal since it will not premiere until 2026. The company also noted Sky’s eagerness to extend their partnership.
The legal battle highlights rising competition as media giants seek control of popular franchises and expand streaming globally. The outcome could impact how content is distributed and streaming services launched internationally. Both companies intend to vigorously argue their opposing positions as the case proceeds.
