[gottago]

Interesting bit about Sky in that article:

The rights picture in the UK is complicated, with Sky the exclusive distributor of most HBO content through its lucrative licensing deal with WBD. That agreement ends in two years, but it is believed certain shows such as House of the Dragon are tied to Sky via ‘life of series’ agreements, meaning the platform will continue to show them regardless of a wider deal.

Last year, Sky CEO Dana Strong has said she was “optimistic” that the Comcast-owned company’s UK division can keep hold of HBO content when the deal comes up for renewal in 2026. It is likely the pair will look to form some type of agreement, with one source suggesting Max could be carried exclusively on the Sky pay-TV platform.

I think ultimately Sky will pay over the odds to keep HBO content in two years time. Barely any of Sky's originals have cut through in a way that numerous HBO shows have and I think the entertainment (i.e. non sport and movies) side of the platform is going to seriously struggle without HBO content so I don't think we'll ever see Max launched here in the same way it has been elsewhere (as in anyone can sign up for it without needing to be part of another service).