Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) finds itself at a pivotal juncture, carefully assessing an enhanced acquisition proposal from Paramount Skydance. This comes as the company's board maintains its endorsement of a pre-existing merger agreement with Netflix. The complex negotiations have created a high-stakes scenario, with both media giants vying for control over significant entertainment assets, and shareholders awaiting clarity on the future direction of WBD. The outcome of these deliberations will undoubtedly reshape the competitive landscape of the global media industry.
Entertainment Empire at a Crossroads: WBD Weighs Competing Bids
In a dynamic turn of events on the media landscape, as of February 23, 2026, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is diligently evaluating a fresh proposal from Paramount Skydance. This new offer, which emerged after a week of intensive discussions, adds a layer of complexity to WBD's strategic future, especially given that its board has consistently championed an acquisition by Netflix, scheduled for a shareholder vote on March 20. Although the specific financial terms of Paramount's latest bid remain undisclosed, it is understood to surpass Netflix's current valuation.
The intricate negotiation process saw WBD's board, led by CEO David Zaslav and Chairman Samuel Di Piazza Jr., engage with Netflix to secure permission to clarify Paramount's "best and final offer." This inquiry was particularly focused on understanding a per-share price from Paramount that would exceed the $31 mark. Paramount's sustained interest in acquiring WBD first materialized in September 2025, when David Ellison initially proposed $19 per share, shortly after Skydance Media's acquisition of Paramount Global. WBD's board had previously rejected Paramount's advances on nine separate occasions, making this renewed consideration a significant shift.
Netflix, whose co-CEO Ted Sarandos notably expressed a willingness to forgo deals if prices escalated too high in a February 20 interview, now holds a critical position. The streaming giant has a limited four-day window to either match Paramount's potentially superior offer or withdraw from the bidding contest entirely. Under the terms of its signed agreement, Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros.'s studios and streaming divisions for approximately $27.75 per share, an all-cash deal revised from an earlier cash-and-stock proposal. This arrangement would see WBD shareholders retain equity in Discovery Global, the proposed spin-off entity encompassing linear networks like CNN and TBS, alongside Discovery+.
Paramount's ambitious takeover bid for the entirety of WBD, including its cable channels, is backed by powerful financial players. Larry Ellison, David Ellison's tech-billionaire father, along with RedBird Capital Partners, are providing support. Debt financing for this substantial offer has been secured from major institutions including Bank of America, Citigroup, and Apollo Global Management, further bolstered by capital contributions from the sovereign wealth funds of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. The WBD board now faces the challenging task of navigating these competing interests to determine the most advantageous path for the company and its shareholders.
The unfolding drama surrounding Warner Bros. Discovery highlights the intense competition and consolidation trends within the global media and entertainment industry. This situation underscores the strategic importance of content libraries and distribution platforms in an era dominated by streaming services. It also serves as a potent reminder for businesses to remain agile and adaptable in their growth strategies, constantly weighing immediate gains against long-term vision and shareholder value. The ultimate decision will not only impact the financials of WBD, Netflix, and Paramount but also shape the future of media consumption worldwide.