As previously reported, Paramount triumphed in its bidding war against streaming giant Netflix for the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Netflix withdrew after Paramount presented a new offer of $31 per share. The $110 billion merger deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and clearance from WBD shareholders.
According to Variety, Paramount CEO David Ellison outlined the company’s vision during a recent investor call following the proposed merger. If regulatory approval is granted, Paramount plans to merge Paramount+ with WBD’s streaming platform, HBO Max, which also caters to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) fans by offering AEW’s pay-per-views and streaming the company’s weekly shows, Dynamite and Collision. Additionally, it hosts a comprehensive archive of AEW events.
Ellison stated that they aim to combine the streaming portfolios of both companies into one robust platform over the coming years. With over 200 million direct-to-consumer subscribers and a presence in more than 100 countries and territories, they believe they will be well-positioned to compete effectively with leading streaming services in today’s market.
The Paramount CEO added that by the middle of this year, the company will have completed the consolidation of their three services into one unified platform. He indicated that they plan to adopt a similar approach for their streaming services going forward. Ellison concluded by expressing confidence that the combined offerings, along with their extensive content library and technical capabilities, will significantly enhance their competitiveness against the largest players in direct-to-consumer streaming.