Netflix to buy Warner Bros Discovery's Studios, Streaming Unit for $72 Billion

Overview: Netflix has signed a landmark $72B agreement to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, combining major film studios, streaming assets, and global content libraries under one network.

Riyaz

Dec-06-2025

Netflix to buy Warner Bros Discovery's Studios, Streaming Unit for $72 Billion

Netflix has agreed upon a final deal to combine Warner Bros. together with its film and television studios and streaming enterprises at a cost of equity of approximately US$72 bn (enterprise value ≈ US 82.7 bn). The deal in history would bring together the global Netflix streaming with the 100-year-old heritage of the iconic franchise and extensive content libraries of Warner Bros., from classic movies to new blockbusters. According to Netflix, the acquisition will provide its offerings, strategic creative opportunities, and redefine entertainment the world over in the years to come, establishing a new era in the global media and streaming industry.

Biggest Tech and Media Buyouts Ever.

Microsoft Activision Blizzard: $69 billion.
Disney-21st Century Fox: $71 billion.
AT&T–Time Warner: $85 billion
Netflix-Warner Bros: $72 billion -This deal has become one of the biggest media acquisitions of all time.

Warner Bros Quick Facts

Founded: 1923
Icons Franchises: Harry Potter, DC Universe, Friends, The Lord of the Rings.
Ownership: HBO (premium cable and streaming platform Max).

Netflix Quick Facts

Founded: 1997 in the form of a DVD rental service.
Streaming Launch: 2007
First Original Series: House of Cards (2013).

Recently Asked Questions Related to Tech Media (PYQs)

Exam Name	Year	Question	Options	Answer
UPSC Prelims	2021	Which company acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019?	A) Disney B) Warner Bros C) Netflix D) Amazon	A) Disney
SSC CGL	2020	AT&T acquired which major media company in 2018?	A) Warner Bros B) Time Warner C) Netflix D) Sony Pictures	B) Time Warner
RRB NTPC	2019	Which streaming platform launched its first original series, House of Cards, in 2013?	A) Amazon Prime B) Netflix C) Disney+ D) Hulu	B) Netflix
UPSC Prelims	2018	Warner Bros, founded in 1923, owns which premium streaming service?	A) Prime Video B) Disney+ C) HBO Max D) Netflix	C) HBO Max
SSC CPO	2021	Netflix originally started in which year as a DVD rental company?	A) 1995 B) 1997 C) 2000 D) 2005	B) 1997
SSC GD	2022	The acquisition of Warner Bros by Netflix was valued at approximately?	A) $69B B) $71B C) $72B D) $85B	C) $72B
UPSC Prelims	2019	Which of these franchises is owned by Warner Bros?	A) Star Wars B) Harry Potter C) Marvel Cinematic Universe D) Avatar	B) Harry Potter
RRB Group D	2020	Disney acquired 21st Century Fox for how much?	A) $69B B) $71B C) $72B D) $85B	B) $71B
SSC MTS	2021	Netflix entered the streaming industry in which year?	A) 2005 B) 2007 C) 2010 D) 2013	B) 2007
UPSC Prelims	2020	Which of these is among the largest tech/media acquisitions in history?	A) Netflix-Warner Bros $72B B) Apple-Time Warner $80B C) Google-Disney $75B D) Amazon-21st Century Fox $70B	A) Netflix-Warner Bros $72B

Expected Question: Netflix and Warner Bros

Warner Bros was founded in which year?

A) 1919

B) 1923

C) 1935

D) 1941

Answer: B) 1923

Description: Warner Bros, one of Hollywood’s oldest studios, has created iconic franchises over nearly a century.

Which of these popular franchises belongs to Warner Bros?

A) Star Wars

B) Harry Potter

C) Marvel Cinematic Universe

D) Avatar

Answer: B) Harry Potter

Description: Warner Bros owns major franchises like Harry Potter, DC Universe, Friends, and The Lord of the Rings.

What was Netflix’s first original series?
A) Stranger Things
B) The Crown
C) House of Cards
D) Breaking Bad
Answer: C) House of Cards
Description: In 2013, Netflix released its first original show, House of Cards, marking a shift from streaming existing content to creating original content.

How does the Netflix–Warner Bros deal benefit Netflix?

A) Expands content library

B) Improves global market reach

C) Enhances creative opportunities

D) All of the above

Answer: D) All of the above

Description: By acquiring Warner Bros, Netflix gains iconic franchises, strengthens its market presence, and unlocks new creative and revenue opportunities.

Conclusion

The dollar 72 billion purchase of Warner Bros by Netflix is an all time addition in media around the world. It brings together Netflix streaming capabilities and iconic content of Warner Bros to enlarge creative possibilities, increase international accessibility, and transform the entertainment sector. This merger establishes a new standard in the global technological and media mergers.