Sky-ITV Acquisition Talks Slow Amid Warner Bros Takeover Battles and Valuation Delays

Comcast-owned Sky's negotiations to acquire ITV's Media and Entertainment unit, including channels and streaming platform ITVX, have slowed in recent weeks. The $2.18 billion (£1.6 billion) proposal aims to create a top-three UK streaming service to rival Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. Complications in separating Studios, which produces ITV's major shows, and setting content and overhead valuations, have delayed agreement. The spin-off of cable assets into Versant, which has declined roughly 40% since its Jan 2026 debut, and shifting focus to the Warner Bros Discovery bidding war, are factors. ITV cited public service broadcaster status and guaranteed rights to major sports events as key assets. The UK'semic growth in Q4 2025 and investor sentiment toward traditional assets also factor into the discussions. No timeline or certainty on terms were provided as of Feb 12, 2026.