Latest Entertainment News
Netflix Wins Bidding War for Warner Bros. Discovery in $72-83B Megadeal
Netflix has acquired Warner Bros. Discovery's studios and streaming assets, including HBO and HBO Max, in a deal valued at $72 billion equity and up to $83 billion enterprise. This blockbuster transaction, announced December 5, 2025, awaits regulatory approval and a Q3 2026 spin-off.
It highlights 2025's M&A resurgence in entertainment.
Warner Bros. Discovery Pivots to Offensive Strategy Ahead of Netflix Merger
Warner Bros. Discovery, post its 2022 merger, enters 2026 amid a bidding war with Netflix and others, boasting profitable Max streaming and strong theatrical slate. CEO David Zaslav's restructuring has positioned WBD for sale, with studios and Max valued over $30 per share.
The deal promises HBO Max standalone short-term.
Media Sector M&A Surges 61% in Q3 2025 Led by Netflix-Warner Deal
Entertainment M&A deal values jumped 61% in Q3 2025, with eight deals over $10B, epitomized by Netflix's $82.7B Warner Bros. acquisition. Deregulation like lifted FCC limits accelerates consolidation.
Projections exceed $80B in media deals for 2026.
International Business Times Faces Criticism Over Netflix-Warner Reporting
IBTimes drew backlash for framing the confirmed Netflix-Warner $82.7B acquisition as mere rumor in a December 31 article. Critics call it narrative laundering during regulatory scrutiny.
The deal is public, with Zaslav confirming details.
WBD Retains Inside the NBA Rights Boosting Max Global Expansion
Warner Bros. Discovery settled with NBA in late 2024, keeping Inside the NBA and gaining international rights for Max streaming. This turns a crisis into a win amid Netflix merger talks.
It enhances WBD's content fortress value.
2025 Entertainment M&A Features Six Major Deals Including Netflix-Warner
Key 2025 mergers encompass Netflix-Warner Bros., Paramount, Sony, ESPN, and gaming giants. These transactions signal industry consolidation trends.
Momentum carries into 2026.
Analysts Predict 74 US Megadeals in 2026 Driven by AI in Media
PwC forecasts 74 megadeals in the US for 2026, many AI-driven in media for content and ads. Netflix-Warner exemplifies post-deregulation scale strategies.
Early AI adopters gain edges.
David Zaslav Confirms HBO Max Stays Standalone Post-Acquisition
Warner CEO Zaslav assured HBO Max remains standalone short-term after Netflix buyout for user confidence. Full integration follows regulatory nod in Q3 2026.
This counters media confusion narratives.
WBD's DC Studios Under Gunn and Safran Powers Merger Appeal
James Gunn and Peter Safran lead DC Studios, bolstering WBD's IP amid Netflix bid. Supported by John Malone-influenced board focusing on asset sales.
Theatrical hits fuel offensive pivot.
Global M&A Momentum Poised to Outperform in 2026 Media Sector
2025's declining volumes but surging values set stage for 2026, with media consolidation like Netflix-Warner leading. AlixPartners eyes $80B+ in deals.
Streaming dominance battles intensify.