Well, cord-cutters, there's been a significant shift over at Max that those of you on the Basic with Ads plan need to be aware of. Earlier this week (effective March 30th, 2025), Warner Bros. Discovery made a change that impacts access to live sports.
If you were enjoying live NBA games, MLB matchups, NHL action, or big events like NCAA March Madness on Max while subscribed to the ad-supported tier, you'll now find that those are no longer available. To continue watching these live sporting events on Max, you'll need to be on either the Standard or Premium ad-free plans.
Previously, the inclusion of live sports was a nice perk for those opting for the more budget-friendly Basic with Ads option. However, that has now changed, meaning if you want your live sports fix on Max, you'll be looking at a higher monthly bill.
It's also worth noting that CNN Max content is no longer included in the Basic with Ads plan.
For those already subscribed to the Standard or Premium plans, this news likely doesn't affect your viewing habits. You'll still have access to the same live sports offerings, including NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, NASCAR, and Roland-Garros.
However, for those of us who appreciate keeping streaming costs down, this is a development worth considering. I know some cord-cutters, myself included, utilize bundled services to manage expenses. For example, I use the Hulu and Disney Plus bundle that includes Max, which costs around $17 a month. For those in similar situations, upgrading to an ad-free Max plan would add a significant cost, bringing the total to roughly $30 per month. The big question then becomes: is that extra $13 or so truly worth it specifically for accessing the live sports on Max?
It's interesting to consider this change in light of Warner Bros. Discovery's previous exploration of a standalone B/R Sports add-on. While that idea seems to be on the back burner for now, it signaled their intent to potentially monetize sports content further. Personally, I haven't felt the need for dedicated sports programming beyond what's already included in services I subscribe to. However, I recognize that there are many viewers who would have found a comprehensive sports add-on appealing. This move to gate the existing sports behind the ad-free tier might be a way for Max to assess just how much value subscribers place on this content.
If you're a sports fan on a budget, this change might prompt you to re-evaluate your streaming options. There are, of course, other ways to catch live sports as a cord-cutter, such as dedicated sports streaming services or even using an antenna to pick up local broadcasts. It's a good time to consider what your must-have sports are and whether Max, at the higher price point, still fits the bill.
What are your thoughts on this change? If you were watching sports on the Basic with Ads plan, are you planning to upgrade? Or will you be looking at alternative ways to watch your favorite teams and events? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
My Streaming Life continues to adapt to the ever-shifting streaming landscape. While I appreciate having access to a variety of content, including sports, decisions like this from streaming services often require a reassessment of value and budget.
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