Could Netflix-Warner Bros. $82 Billion Deal Mean Higher Prices for Subscribers?

Netflix’s $82.7 billion takeover of Warner Bros. has drawn attention from President Donald Trump and U.S. lawmakers. The deal, announced last Friday, would give the streaming giant control of Warner Bros.’ film and television studios, HBO and HBO Max, in a transaction equity value of $72.0 billion.

The deal combines Netflix’s global streaming platform with Warner Bros.’ century-long library, including franchises such as Harry Potter, Barbie, the DC Universe, The Big Bang Theory and Game of Thrones. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said, “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies, from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favourites like Harry Potter and Friends, with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, K-Pop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better.”

However, experts are saying that although the deal would expand Netflix’s content offering for subscribers, it may also lead to higher fees. Netflix already hiked prices at the start of 2025.

Senator Elizabeth Warren called the merger “an anti-monopoly nightmare” and also warned that it could limit consumer choice and push up prices.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that on Sunday, President Trump warned the combined company’s larger market share “could be a problem” and said he would be involved in reviewing the deal.