SKYDANCE Is Building a Streamer That TERRIFIES Disney

Key Discussion Points

Paramount–Warner Bros. Streaming Plans

David Ellison said the long-term aim is to combine Paramount+ and HBO Max. The services are expected to operate separately at first, with bundles likely to arrive sooner. The panel discussed the breadth of the companies’ combined brands and content, including whether sports could become a major part of the offering.

Market Share and Monopoly Concerns

Citing Nielsen figures, the speakers said streaming represents about 49% of TV viewing, compared with roughly 19.5% for broadcast and 18.7% for cable. They put Paramount and Warner Bros. at a combined 11.8% of overall TV viewing in July—below YouTube’s 14.2% and not far above NBCUniversal’s 9.2%. For streaming alone, they cited a combined 3.8% share in May.

The panel argued that these figures weaken claims that the merger would create a dominant monopoly, while noting that viewing-time measurements are not a full assessment of market power.

Disney’s Position

The contributors generally viewed Disney’s biggest challenges as internal rather than as a direct result of the merger. They debated the strength of Disney’s franchises: Toy Story was described as a reliable success, while opinions differed on Star Wars. One speaker was skeptical that the brand could recover; another saw potential in the standalone Starfighters project and Ryan Gosling.

The panel also questioned whether Disney has maintained the connection between its films, streaming business, and theme parks.

Sports and Public Access

The panel discussed the growing shift of live sports to streaming, including ESPN’s potential role. One contributor argued that major sports—and news—should remain available on broadcast television. They also speculated that Congress could require some live events to be shown free over the air, given sports leagues’ reliance on public support and their unusual market protections.

Paramount’s Identity and the Merger’s Benefits

The speakers considered whether Paramount could lose its identity as Taylor Sheridan’s shows move to other arrangements, particularly after his contract period ends in 2028. Others argued that studios can produce content for multiple networks and platforms, so their identities need not depend on a single streaming service.

They also suggested that the merger could reduce duplicated production and marketing costs. The panel briefly discussed the possibility of Hulu becoming a tab within Disney+. One speaker argued that Disney might be better served by making Disney+ a tab within Hulu.

Presenters and Contributors

Brett Dasovic, Mary, and Dante.