Netflix strikes deal for Warner Bros. Discovery: Will it increase subscription price for users?

Netflix’s landmark agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s entertainment assets will ultimately reshape millions of viewers' access and pay for content. However, the changes are not expected overnight.

The deal was worth around $28 per share, uniting Netflix with iconic brands such as HBO, Warner Bros., and DC Comics, raising users’ concerns about subscription, content access, and pricing.

Soon, users can expect a transitional period where HBO Max and Netflix remain separate platforms while technical and licensing integration is underway.

For next 12 to 18 months, Netflix is anticipated to bundle HBO Max’s premium programming including famous series such as House of the Dragon and the Harry Potter film franchise, within its existing service.

This will ultimately phase out the individual HBO Max app. With this move, there will be reduction of consumer costs as the need for multiple subscriptions will be eliminated.

However, analysts warn it could also lead to a Netflix price increase to offset the $28-per-share acquisition cost.

With this deal, the subscribers will gain access to their favourite shows in a combined library that spans Netflix originals, HBO prestige dramas, Warner Bros. theatrical releases, and DC superhero films, all within a single interface.