Netflix announced it is buying Warner Bros. Discovery. Now what?
On Friday, Netflix said it was acquiring WBD’s studio and streaming assets for around $83 billion. This means Netflix, already the largest streamer with more than 300 million subscribers, will add more scale by bringing in HBO Max’s library and its 128 million subscribers. It would also make Netflix the owner of assets such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, the DC Universe, and WBD’s historic movie studio.
But with the news comes several questions on regulatory practices, streaming monopolies, and the deal’s long-term effects on entertainment. Here are the biggest unknowns as the deal unfolds:
Will the deal go through?
Netflix plans to close the deal for WBD in about 12-18 months, after WBD spins off its cable assets next year.