On Tuesday, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed that it is exploring “strategic alternatives” regarding the company’s direction, including selling the entire company or parts of it.
In a statement, the media conglomerate said it has received “unsolicited interest” from “multiple parties.” This includes David Ellison’s Skydance Media, whose initial bid was reportedly rebuffed by the company.
“After receiving interest from multiple parties, we have initiated a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives to identify the best path forward to unlock the full value of our assets,” David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, said in the statement.
In addition to Skydance Media, Comcast and Netflix have been rumored as potential suitors for WBD.
The news comes after WBD had already begun the process of splitting into two separate entities. Warner Bros. will comprise the streaming and studios divisions, and Discovery Global will have the global networks.
The split is planned for mid-2026, and, as the company reviews the various interests on offer, it will still proceed with the separation. It’s also offering no deadline or a definite timetable for when it will complete its review of the various offers on the table.
WBD’s shares rose about 10% after the company confirmed it will be reviewing the various offers it has received.
Amid the company seeking to “maximize shareholder value,” WBD also announced that HBO Max is having a price increase, effective immediately.
Beginning Tuesday, October 21, HBO Max Basic with Ads sees an increase of $1 per month and $10 annually to stand at $10.99 and $109.99, respectively. Its HBO Max Standard plan sees an increase of $1.50 per month and $15 annually to $18.49 and $184.99, respectively.
Finally, the HBO Max Premium plan sees the steepest increase, rising $2 per month and $20 per year to stand at $22.99 and $229.99, respectively.
