Skydance Boosts Warner Bros. Discovery Bid with $650M Quarterly Payout Promise to Shareholders

Variety · 2026-02-10
Skydance Boosts Warner Bros. Discovery Bid with $650M Quarterly Payout Promise to Shareholders

Skydance Media, led by David Ellison, has significantly enhanced its takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) by promising an additional $650 million in cash per quarter to WBD shareholders if the deal isn't completed by the end of 2026. This strategic move aims to incentivize shareholders and accelerate the protracted acquisition process, while also potentially countering interest from competitors like Netflix. The offer, equivalent to $0.25 per share, addresses shareholder concerns about the timeline and complexity of the deal. Skydance's persistent efforts highlight the immense strategic value placed on WBD's vast intellectual property and its position in the evolving media landscape. The outcome remains uncertain, with regulatory hurdles and shareholder sentiment playing crucial roles in determining the future of the media giant.