Netflix, the global streaming powerhouse, has reached an agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) television and film studios, along with its streaming services, signaling a major shift in the entertainment industry. Announced on Friday, December 5, 2025, the deal is valued at roughly $72 billion (around ₹6.48 lakh crore in Indian currency). This acquisition positions Netflix not only as a leading streaming platform but also as the largest content creator in Hollywood, controlling one of the most valuable content libraries in the world. The transaction is expected to fundamentally alter the competitive dynamics of the media sector.

Under this agreement, Netflix will gain ownership of Warner Bros.’ film and TV studios, HBO Max, and the premium cable network HBO. The total deal is estimated at $82.7 billion, with an equity valuation of $72 billion. Warner Bros. Discovery will provide Netflix with a mix of cash and stock at $27.75 per share. Due to the transaction’s complexity, the deal is anticipated to take 12 to 18 months to finalize. Importantly, the acquisition will be completed after WBD spins off its Global Networks division (Discovery Global) into a separate publicly traded entity, expected by the third quarter of 2026.

This merger will greatly expand Netflix’s content portfolio, bringing iconic franchises under its control. Titles such as Game of Thrones, the DC Comics universe (Batman, Superman), Harry Potter, and Friends will now be part of Netflix’s library, substantially enhancing its value. Owning HBO Networks also allows Netflix to directly manage some of the most prestigious and award-winning content in the industry.

The market’s response to this massive deal has been mixed. Netflix’s stock dropped 3% in pre-market trading following the announcement, while Warner Bros. Discovery shares remained steady at $24.5. Paramount, a major competitor in the streaming space, also saw its shares decline by 2.2%. Analysts suggest that this transaction will intensify competition among streaming platforms and provide consumers with more content choices. Overall, this acquisition is set to establish Netflix as a dominant global force in the entertainment sector.