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Did Netflix Buy Warner Bros. and HBO? What Happened to the Deal

Netflix did not acquire Warner Bros. or HBO. It withdrew from its proposed deal in February 2026, and Paramount completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on October 6, 2026.
From TheFinanceBase Team1 min to read
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No. Netflix did not acquire Warner Bros. or HBO. Netflix announced a proposed deal in December 2025, then withdrew in February 2026 after Paramount Skydance made a superior offer. Paramount completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on October 6, 2026.

What happened to Netflix’s proposed acquisition?

The story began with a report in December 2025 that Warner Bros. Discovery was in exclusive negotiations with Netflix for its film and television studios and HBO Max. That report described talks, not a completed sale. On December 5, Netflix announced a definitive agreement to acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max, and HBO. The agreement was still a proposed transaction; it did not mean the assets had changed hands. Netflix’s announcement described the planned scope.

In February 2026, Netflix withdrew from the agreement after Paramount Skydance made a superior offer. Netflix’s statement confirmed its withdrawal. Paramount then completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery on October 6, 2026, according to the Associated Press.

Who owns Warner Bros. and HBO now?

Paramount owns Warner Bros. Discovery following the October 6, 2026 completion of its acquisition. The combined company now includes Warner Bros. and HBO Max. The Associated Press described the completed takeover as an $81 billion transaction; that figure refers to Paramount’s acquisition, not Netflix’s earlier proposed deal.

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Why did the exclusive-talks report not mean Netflix had bought the company?

Exclusive negotiations are an early stage in a possible transaction: the parties may be discussing a deal, but no acquisition is complete. Even a definitive agreement is not the same as closing. In this case, Netflix later announced an agreement, but withdrew before acquiring the assets. The completed outcome was Paramount’s acquisition instead.

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Timeline of the Warner Bros. deal

  • December 2025: Reports said Warner Bros. Discovery had entered exclusive negotiations with Netflix. This was a reported stage, not a sale.
  • December 5, 2025: Netflix announced a definitive agreement covering Warner Bros.’ film and television studios, HBO Max, and HBO.
  • February 2026: Netflix withdrew after Paramount Skydance made a superior offer.
  • October 6, 2026: Paramount completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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