Netflix’s Warner Bros. Acquisition Raises Antitrust Concerns, Warns GOP Representative
A recent bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has ignited antitrust concerns regarding Netflix’s potential acquisition of the media giant. Representative Darrell Issa (R-California) expressed worry that such a move could harm consumers and diminish competition in the streaming industry.
Concerns Over Netflix’s Warner Bros. Acquisition
In a letter dated November 13, Issa addressed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, and Gail Slater, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. He highlighted that Netflix, as the dominant streaming platform in the U.S., should not absorb another major competitor like WBD.
Current Context of the Acquisition Bids
Warner Bros. Discovery itself has reported receiving acquisition interest from multiple parties. Among those bidding are David Ellison’s Paramount Skydance as well as Netflix and Comcast, focusing on WBD’s streaming and studio operations. A deadline of November 20 has been set for non-binding first-round bids, with plans to finalize the process by the end of the year.
Market Power and Subscriber Statistics
- Netflix boasts over 300 million global subscribers.
- WBD ended Q3 2025 with 128 million streaming subscribers, reflecting a growth of 2.3 million from the previous quarter.
- The acquisition could elevate Netflix’s share of the U.S. streaming market above 30%, raising antitrust concerns.
Issa has emphasized the potential consequences of this consolidation, suggesting it could hinder the production of new content and major theatrical releases. He referenced comments from Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who described theaters as “an outdated concept,” further fueling concerns about the industry’s future.
Implications for the Entertainment Industry
Issa concluded his correspondence with a call for regulatory oversight. He urged efforts to protect competitive markets, enhance consumer choice, and safeguard jobs within the industry. As these developments unfold, the impact of these acquisitions could reshape the landscape of streaming entertainment.
El-Balad has reached out to both Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery for their comments on this pressing matter.
