Paramount and Skydance Join Forces
In August 2025, Paramount and Skydance announced an $8 billion merger, combining Paramount’s legacy studio and network operations with Skydance’s growing production and animation businesses. The union creates a vertically integrated company capable of producing theatrical releases, television, streaming content, and animated projects under one roof. Executives said the merger aims to better compete with industry giants by pooling creative talent, intellectual property, and production resources.
Concord Originals Acquires RKO Films
June 2025 saw Concord Originals acquire classic Hollywood studio RKO Films, gaining access to an iconic film library that includes King Kong and Citizen Kane. Concord plans to leverage these historic titles for re-releases, remakes, and new productions, expanding both its legacy content portfolio and its footprint in contemporary creative projects.
Electronic Arts Bought by Investor Consortium
Outside traditional film and TV, one of 2025’s biggest deals was the $55 billion acquisition of video game giant Electronic Arts (EA) by a consortium including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. EA’s globally recognized franchises—FIFA, Madden NFL, The Sims, and Battlefield—are now under new private ownership, highlighting the increasing convergence of gaming and mainstream entertainment.
Netflix Acquires Warner Bros.
In December 2025, Netflix made headlines with its $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros.’ studio and streaming operations from Warner Bros. Discovery, with completion expected in 2026 pending regulatory approval. The deal followed a high-stakes bidding war: Paramount + Skydance had offered $108 billion, but Warner Bros. accepted Netflix’s lower bid due to secure financing and board approval. The acquisition brings major franchises such as DC superhero films, Game of Thrones, and HBO’s premium series into Netflix’s global streaming ecosystem, significantly expanding its content library and production capabilities.
ESPN Expands NFL Coverage
Also in August, ESPN, a Disney-owned network, acquired key NFL media assets, including the NFL Network and RedZone distribution rights, in exchange for giving the league a 10% equity stake. By integrating these assets into its linear channels and direct-to-consumer streaming platforms, ESPN aims to provide fans with deeper coverage and broader access, while the NFL gains a strategic ownership position in one of sports media’s leading brands.
Sony Takes Full Control of Peanuts
In December, Sony strengthened its family-friendly content portfolio by acquiring an 80% majority stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC for approximately $457 million. Previously a minority stakeholder, Sony now controls the iconic Peanuts franchise, including Charlie Brown and Snoopy, enabling the company to develop new films, series, and merchandise as part of its global entertainment strategy.
2025 demonstrated that the entertainment industry is evolving rapidly, with companies seeking strategic acquisitions to secure content, expand production capacity, and capture audiences across film, television, gaming, and streaming. As these mega deals reshape the media landscape, consumers can expect bigger libraries, cross-platform integrations, and new creative offerings in the coming years.