How Netflix’s $72B Warner Bros. deal changes the streaming calculus

Core Insights - Netflix has agreed to acquire Warner Bros. in a cash-and-stock deal valued at $72 billion, which includes assets like the Warner Bros. movie studio and HBO Max streaming platform [1][2] - The acquisition is expected to enhance Netflix's offerings and accelerate its business growth for decades [3] - The combined entity is projected to generate approximately $2.3 billion in U.S. advertising revenue and capture a 10% share of total TV viewing in the region [2] Company and Industry Implications - The acquisition positions Netflix as a dominant player in the media and entertainment sector, merging its successful streaming content with Warner Bros.' valuable intellectual properties, including DC Comics and "Harry Potter" [2][6] - The deal follows a competitive bidding process involving other major players like Paramount Skydance and Comcast, indicating the high stakes in the streaming wars [4] - If regulatory approval is granted, this acquisition could signify a significant shift in the entertainment industry, potentially marking the decline of traditional media models affected by cord-cutting [5][6]