Netflix enters exclusive negotiations to buy Warner Bros. Discovery

Netflix has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire the film and television studios of Warner Bros. Discovery and take over HBO Max, a move that is already shaking up Hollywood. The operation, first reported by Bloomberg and confirmed by Variety, could completely transform the entertainment landscape... and, in turn, open up a new scenario for current agreements between major platforms and professional wrestling.

As Netflix seeks to absorb one of the most powerful libraries in the industry, it is worth noting that the platform is already the current home of WWE for its premium events in the United States. On the other side, HBO -a Warner subsidiary and a key part of the negotiated package- is the exclusive host of the international programming of AEW. If the operation succeeds, both properties would fall under the same umbrella, opening up a range of possibilities and future questions.

The negotiation comes after a bidding war in which Paramount-Skydance and Comcast also competed. However, Netflix has secured an exclusive period to close the deal, attracted by the historical value of brands like DC, the Warner Bros. library, and the prestige of HBO. The agreement, however, is already being scrutinized by regulators, unions, and exhibitors, who fear an excessive power of the streaming giant.

"We believe that a vibrant and competitive industry is essential. The potential dominance of Netflix after this acquisition raises deep concerns," warned the Directors Guild of America in a statement.

The film sector has also raised its voice. Cinema United warned that a merger of this magnitude could reduce production for theaters and affect thousands of jobs in the exhibition circuit. For Netflix, the lack of exclusive theater releases is a common point of friction with the traditional industry.

Amidst all this corporate earthquake, the world of wrestling watches with interest. If Netflix controls both the rights of WWE and the platform that distributes AEW internationally, the coexistence of both brands under the same roof could create unprecedented scenarios: from strategic synergies to reconfigurations of rights, broadcast windows, or even changes in sports programming priorities.