2025 was a big year for the entertainment world, with major studios and media companies shaking things up through mergers and acquisitions. Big names teamed up or bought each other out to stay competitive in a market that is getting tougher by the day.
Companies were not just chasing bigger logos. They wanted more shows, movies, and franchises under their belt, better production power, and ways to save money while keeping fans hooked. With content costs rising and audiences splitting their attention across streaming, social media, and gaming, these deals were all about staying ahead.
From old-school studios changing hands to mega mergers that could change how we watch and stream, 2025 showed that the entertainment industry is evolving fast and everyone wants a piece of the action.
Paramount + Skydance merger
In August 2025, Paramount and Skydance merged in an $8 billion deal that brought together Paramount’s legacy studio and network operations with Skydance’s growing production and animation businesses. The combined company aims to compete more effectively with larger entertainment rivals by pooling creative talent, intellectual property libraries, and production resources under one roof. The merger creates a vertically integrated operation spanning theatrical releases, television, streaming, and animation.
Concord Originals bought RKO Films
In June 2025, Concord Originals acquired classic Hollywood studio RKO Films, adding one of the industry’s earliest major studios to its portfolio of music and entertainment rights. The deal gives Concord access to RKO’s historic library, which includes films like King Kong and Citizen Kane. Concord plans to leverage the catalog for re-releases, repurposing, and new productions as it expands its presence in both legacy content and fresh creative projects.
Consortium acquired Electronic Arts
One of the year’s biggest headlines outside traditional film and TV was the acquisition of video game giant Electronic Arts (EA) by a consortium of investors, including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, in a deal valued at about $55 billion. This move brings iconic franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, The Sims and Battlefield under new private ownership.
Netflix acquired Warner Bros
n December 2025, Netflix struck a landmark agreement to acquire Warner Bros.’ studio and streaming operations from Warner Bros. Discovery in a transaction valued at about $82.7 billion, with closing expected in 2026 following regulatory approval and corporate restructuring. The deal followed a high-stakes bidding war: although Paramount + Skydance had proposed a larger $108 billion offer, Warner Bros. ultimately accepted Netflix’s $82.7 billion bid due to more secure financing and board approval. The acquisition brings some of Hollywood’s most storied franchises, from DC superhero films and Game of Thrones to HBO’s premium series, into Netflix’s global streaming ecosystem, significantly expanding its content library and production capabilities.
ESPN acquired NFL Media
In August 2025, ESPN, part of Disney, reached a major agreement with the National Football League to acquire key NFL media assets, including the NFL Network and the television distribution rights for NFL RedZone, in exchange for giving the league a 10% equity stake in the network. By integrating these assets into its linear channels and upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming platform, ESPN aims to offer fans deeper coverage and broader access to NFL content, while the league gains a strategic ownership position in one of the leading sports media brands.
Sony acquired Peanuts franchise
Sony significantly expanded its content portfolio in December 2025 by acquiring a majority 80% stake in Peanuts Holdings LLC, the company that controls the iconic Peanuts franchise, in a deal worth approximately $457 million. Sony previously held a minority position and used this opportunity to take control alongside its music and film divisions. The acquisition brings the timeless characters of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang more fully into Sony’s global entertainment strategy, creating potential for new films, series, and merchandise.
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