Netflix CEO Slams Paramount Skydance Warner Bros Discovery Bid as ‘Crazy’

Netflix CEO Greg Peters rejects Paramount Skydance Warner Bros Discovery bid, calling it risky and debt-heavy despite Larry Ellison’s $40.4B backing

Global streaming giant Netflix has publicly dismissed the Paramount Skydance Warner Bros Discovery bid, with Chief Executive Officer Greg Peters sharply criticising the rival proposal and questioning whether it can realistically be funded. Speaking to the Financial Times, Peters said Paramount would have “no chance” of completing the $108 billion acquisition without the personal financial backing of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison.

Netflix CEO Questions Funding Behind Paramount Offer

Peters was blunt in his assessment of the deal structure, arguing that the acquisition rests almost entirely on Ellison’s independent financing. “Without Larry Ellison independently financing this thing, there’s no chance in hell Paramount would ever be able to pull this off,” he told the FT, casting doubt on the long-term viability of the Paramount Skydance Warner Bros Discovery bid.

Larry Ellison’s $40.4 Billion Backing Under Scrutiny

Mint earlier reported that Ellison has agreed to personally fund $40.4 billion in equity financing to support Paramount Skydance’s all-cash offer for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). Ellison is also the father of David Ellison, CEO of Paramount, adding another layer of scrutiny to the financing behind the Paramount Skydance Warner Bros Discovery bid.

‘Pretty Crazy’: Peters Flags Paramount’s Rising Debt Risks

The Netflix CEO also criticised Paramount’s balance sheet, calling the proposal “pretty crazy” given the company’s existing debt burden. He warned that taking on additional leverage to finance a $30-per-share offer could significantly increase financial risk. “Paramount already is saddled with quite a lot of debt,” Peters said, suggesting the numbers behind the Paramount Skydance Warner Bros Discovery bid “don’t pass the sniff test.”

Limited Shareholder Support for Hostile Buyout

Peters claimed that only a “very small” number of Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders are backing Paramount’s hostile offer. That view appears to be shared by WBD’s board, which has urged investors to reject the Paramount Skydance Warner Bros Discovery bid due to concerns over value and execution risk.

Warner Bros. Discovery Board Rejects Paramount Skydance Bid

On 7 January 2026, Warner Bros. Discovery’s board formally rejected Paramount Skydance’s $108.4 billion proposal, calling it inadequate and uncertain. Board chair Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr. said the offer failed to provide sufficient value and carried significant completion risks for shareholders.

Netflix Pushes All-Cash Deal for Greater Certainty

Netflix, meanwhile, has strengthened its own position. SEC filings dated 20 January 2026 show the company revised its potential acquisition into an all-cash deal valued at $27.75 per WBD share. Peters said the revised structure offers “greater deal certainty,” supported by Netflix’s balance sheet and around $55 billion in debt financing.

Shareholder Decision Looms in April 2026

With a shareholder vote expected in April 2026, the contest between Netflix’s proposal and the Paramount Skydance Warner Bros Discovery bid is emerging as one of the most closely watched media deal battles in recent years.