Warner Bros. Discovery Combines Innovative Advertising Technology, Unmatched Content and Iconic Talent at Upfront 2026

Bridging the Gap Between Relevance and Performance, WBD Transforms Cultural Moments into Measurable Impact

Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) presented its annual Upfront presentation this morning at the Infosys Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, showcasing its expansive portfolio of advanced advertising capabilities and its unique ability to turn cultural moments into measurable outcomes across the company's premium entertainment, sports, theatrical, news and lifestyle brands. Warner Bros. Discovery Advertising Presidents Ryan Gould and Bobby Voltaggio took the stage to reaffirm the company's commitment to partnership, performance and storytelling across every screen.

The presentation underscored how Warner Bros. Discovery sits at the center of culture-helping brands show up in the moments that matter most while driving meaningful results. Building on last year's ad tech momentum, WBD introduced several new innovations designed to help brands align with the most impactful cultural moments, featuring capabilities such as Scene-Level Moments, Shoppable Pause Ads, Dynamic Creative and Agentic Experiences. The company also announced its "Always-On Measurement & Attribution Dashboard," a next-generation solution giving buyers a real-time view of campaign performance, and unveiled "Unbreakable," a cross-platform, fan-first solution that connects brands with audiences through participatory experiences across linear, digital and social platforms.

"Every new product and enhancement we announced today supports one objective. Precision inside premium content, at the center of culture. But it's bigger than the products," said Gould. "It's the responsibility we carry - to take risks, to move first, to create the platforms that bring the world closer together."

"The mavericks that founded this company didn't wait for the future to arrive. They built it," said Voltaggio. "And we're more inspired than ever to build what's next together."

Gould and Voltaggio were joined onstage by leading marketing executives who showcased how brands can tap into Warner Bros. Discovery's iconic franchises through distinctive partnerships and customized brand solutions. Presenters included Karen Bronzo, Chief Global Marketing Officer for U.S. Networks & News; Dana Nussbaum, EVP Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures; and Shauna Spenley, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Direct-to-Consumer.

During the U.S. Networks presentation, Bronzo emphasized how social engagement continues to drive audience growth and expand opportunities for brand collaboration across platforms. "Our entertainment brands connect with audiences wherever that passion lives-on social, on screens, in real life, and everywhere in between," Bronzo said. "We invite our partners to harness that energy and embrace brands built for connection and inspiration."

Following this, Dana Nussbaum highlighted Warner Bros. Pictures' continued box office momentum and a robust upcoming slate, reinforcing the power of premium storytelling and iconic IP to drive cultural impact. "Together we can leverage our legendary universes with passionate, built-in global fandoms," said Nussbaum. "Now is the perfect time to lean in and harness this momentum through creative and innovative partnerships."

Shauna Spenley closed by highlighting HBO Max's role as a premiere destination for culture-shaping content and deep audience engagement across streaming. "The combination of compelling stories from amazing creatives, excellent marketing, and meaningful human connection pulls viewers into these worlds from everywhere." Spenley said.

Additionally, attendees were delighted by star appearances from the Warner Bros. Discovery family including Abby Phillip, Adam Lefkoe, Anderson Cooper, Brian Posehn, Craig Ferguson, Dan Schachner, Francois Arnaud, John Ross Bowie, Kaitlan Collins, Katherine LaNasa, Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Leslie Jones, M. Night Shyamalan, Morgan Spector, Noah Wyle, Robbie Graham-Kuntz, Shaquille O'Neal, Terry Crews.

Warner Bros. Discovery made several exciting programming and enhanced advertising announcements including:

WBD Upfront 2026/2027 Press Images

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