"There is concern that subscribers might be negatively affected if Netflix acquires Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming and movie studios businesses. One of the biggest fears is that the merger would lead to higher prices due to less competition for Netflix. During a US Senate hearing Tuesday, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos suggested that the merger would have an opposite effect. Sarandos was speaking at a hearing held by the US Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights,"
"Sarandos aimed to convince the subcommittee that Netflix wouldn't become a monopoly in streaming or in movie and TV production if regulators allowed its acquisition to close. Netflix is the largest subscription video-on-demand provider by subscribers (301.63 million as of January 2025), and Warner Bros. Discovery is the third (128 million streaming subscribers, including users of HBO Max and, to a smaller degree, Discovery+)."
Concerns exist that a Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming and movie studios businesses could reduce competition and raise subscriber prices. Netflix argues the two services are complementary, noting that 80 percent of HBO Max subscribers also subscribe to Netflix and promising more content for less. Netflix emphasizes continued industry competition and contends past price increases delivered more value. The company highlights easy cancellation via one-click as consumer protection against unaffordable pricing. Subscriber counts cited include 301.63 million for Netflix and 128 million for Warner Bros. Discovery across its streaming services.
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