HBO Max and Paramount+ will merge into one streaming app. The move comes after Paramount won its $110 billion bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery.
Paramount CEO David Ellison announced the plan on Monday. The combined service would have over 200 million subscribers, making it a real competitor to Netflix.
The merger still needs approval from regulators and shareholders. If it clears, the deal will close in the third quarter of 2026.
Ellison promised HBO would keep its independence. “HBO should stay HBO,” he said. The brand will operate as a sub-brand within the larger platform.
The combined content library is massive. Think Game of Thrones, Yellowstone, Top Gun, Star Trek, Batman, and Looney Tunes all in one place.
Sports fans get the best deal. TNT Sports and CBS Sports would unite, covering March Madness, NFL, MLB, NHL, and the Masters under one roof.
Paramount plans to consolidate its own streaming services first. By mid-2026, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and BET+ will merge onto one tech platform.
Pricing remains unclear. HBO Max currently starts at $10.99 with ads, while Paramount+ charges $8.99 for its ad tier.
Netflix was in the running but pulled out. Paramount sweetened its offer to $31 per share, beating Netflix’s bid.
The merger creates a production powerhouse. The new company plans to release 30 movies in theaters every year.
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