The $80 Billion Debt Cloud Hanging Over David Ellison's Warner Deal

[mahatmakanejeeves]

The Wall Street Journal
‪@wsj.com‬

The merger of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery is set to emerge with nearly $80 billion in debt—a burden that could weigh on decisions including streaming investments and sports rights.

The $80 Billion Debt Cloud Hanging Over David Ellison’s Warner Deal
The Paramount CEO has promised not to sell off assets or cut content spending.
on.wsj.com
5:05 AM · Jul 9, 2026

The merger of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery is set to emerge with nearly billion in debt—a burden that could weigh on decisions including streaming investments and sports rights.

— The Wall Street Journal (@wsj.com) 2026-07-09T09:05:39.256630Z

[Auggie]

1. I'm expecting costlier streaming packages, dumbed-down productions, and more commercials

I haven't had a Paramount+ subscription for years because I think their overall content is subpar and budget conscious. Most of it just doesn't interest me either. HBO/Warner operates on a higher level and attracts top talent. IMO this merger is a horrible fit. Netflix would have been better for creative.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Debt, Schmedt.

You borrow the crypto and deposit the crypto. You bury the debt. I expect this charade to go on for many years in many companies going forward.

[Javaman]

3. "The Paramount CEO has promised not to sell off assets or cut content spending."

but 30,000 + layoffs and counting are on the table.

fuck these pieces of psychopathic sycophantic shits.

[mwmisses4289]

4. As soon as i hear some ceo say "I promise not to do blah, blah, blah..."

I know they are going to do exactly that.

[ToxMarz]

5. A $110 billion deal with $80 billion in debt, where Netflix offer was all cash on hand

Not hard to imagine who would be the better steward of those assets.