Netflix Price Increase 'Inevitable' After Warner Bros. Deal - Here's When It Could Happen

Netflix stunned Hollywood when it announced plans to acquire Warner Bros, including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO, for nearly $83 billion.

“Our mission has always been to entertain the world,” Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, said in a statement on Friday. “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends—with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.” 

Not long after the announcement was made, Netflix sent a message to customers suggesting that nothing with their membership is changing.

"Nothing is changing today. Both streaming services will continue to operate separately. We have more steps to complete before the deal is closed, including regulatory and shareholder approvals," the company said in the statement. "You’ll hear from us when we have more to share. In the meantime, we hope you’ll continue to enjoy watching as much as you want, whenever you want - all on your current membership plan."

While Netflix attempted to calm fears of a looming price increase, that decision from the company is "inevitable," according to IGN. The "Help Center" of Netflix further details the deal and makes it clear "nothing is changing with your membership today."

The "today" part is notable given that Netflix announced it plans for the transaction of Warner Bros to be completed within 12-18 months. "Based on all this, it seems likely that Warner Bros. shows will arrive on Netflix when the deal closes, and when that happens a price rise seems inevitable," IGN wrote.

The possibility remains that the sale of Warner Bros. to Netflix could be blocked as the Writers Guild of America and unions fight back.

Related: Netflix Co-CEO Shared Brutal Truth Before Polarizing Warner Bros Decision