Netflix, Paramount, Comcast Make Bids for Warner Bros. Discovery
Los Angeles – Netflix,Paramount global,and Comcast have each submitted preliminary bids to acquire portions of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), according to a report by The Wall street Journal on Friday. The move comes as WBD prepares to split into three independent companies – a streaming and studio entity, a U.S. linear networks business, and a global networks division – expected to be finalized by mid-2026.
This potential reshaping of the media landscape arrives amid ongoing consolidation and a fierce battle for dominance in the streaming era. WBD’s assets include a vast portfolio of intellectual property encompassing major sports rights like tennis Grand Slams, Major league Baseball, college football, and NHL ice hockey, alongside entertainment brands such as HBO, DC Studios, and the HBO Max streaming service.The outcome of these bids could dramatically alter the competitive dynamics of both traditional media and the rapidly evolving streaming market, impacting consumers, content creators, and investors alike.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Comcast is primarily interested in WBD’s sports properties, while Paramount is exploring a broader acquisition encompassing entertainment assets. Netflix’s interest appears to be focused on securing content to bolster its streaming libary and potentially gain control of valuable intellectual property.
WBD announced its planned separation into two publicly traded companies earlier this year, dividing its studios and cable businesses. The Streaming & Studios company will house Warner Bros. television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max.The Global Networks entity will comprise TNT Sports (US), Discovery, and the Discovery+ streaming service.
David Zaslav will continue as president and chief executive of Streaming & Studios, while Gunnar Wiedenfels, WBD’s current chief financial officer, will lead Global Networks as president and chief executive. The final approval of the split and any potential acquisitions remains subject to the WBD board’s review.
