Netflix Confirms $72B Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery

BREAKING: Netflix has officially agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for a staggering $72 billion. This deal, announced on July 15, 2025, marks a seismic shift in the entertainment landscape, granting Netflix control over one of Hollywood’s most esteemed assets.

The acquisition encompasses Warner Bros. Discovery’s TV and film studios and streaming division, solidifying Netflix’s dominance as it continues to reshape the media industry. The move follows a heated bidding war, with Netflix emerging victorious with an offer of nearly $28 per share, surpassing Paramount Skydance’s bid of around $24 per share.

This acquisition is especially significant as Warner Bros. Discovery boasts iconic franchises like Game of Thrones, DC Comics, and the Harry Potter series. By integrating these assets, Netflix aims to enhance its content library and fend off intensifying competition in a rapidly evolving market.

“Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling,” said Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos.

Currently, Warner Bros. Discovery shares closed at $24.50, translating to a market value of approximately $61 billion. Under the terms of the deal, shareholders will receive $23.25 in cash and about $4.50 in Netflix stock per share, amounting to a valuation of $27.75 per share.

However, the deal is poised to face rigorous antitrust scrutiny in both Europe and the U.S., given that it positions Netflix as the owner of a rival streaming service, HBO Max, which currently boasts nearly 130 million subscribers.

Concerns have been raised by industry insiders, with reports indicating that a consortium of Hollywood creators is urging Congress to intervene against the acquisition. These creators fear the significant power Netflix would wield as both a buyer and distributor of content.

Netflix’s motivations appear to be rooted in securing long-term rights to successful shows and films while minimizing reliance on external studios. This strategic move comes as Netflix seeks new growth avenues following the success of its recent password-sharing crackdown.

As part of the acquisition strategy, Netflix has promised to continue releasing Warner Bros. films in theaters, aiming to alleviate fears about the potential elimination of another major studio in the theatrical landscape. Additionally, Netflix argued that a merger with HBO Max could lead to lower costs for consumers through bundled offerings.

The deal is contingent on Warner Bros. Discovery’s planned spin-off of its global networks unit, Discovery Global, into a separate publicly listed company, expected to finalize by the third quarter of 2026.

The implications of this acquisition are massive, as it signals a further consolidation of power within the streaming industry. As Netflix integrates Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets, viewers can anticipate a significant evolution in the variety and quality of content available on the platform.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the entertainment world watches closely to see how this landmark acquisition unfolds.