Every December, as the year winds down, I find myself eagerly anticipating those off-the-record whispers from the top brass in media and entertainment. There’s something thrilling about hearing what the real power players think will happen next—unfiltered, bold, and often a bit wild. This year’s crop of anonymous predictions for 2026 feels particularly charged, with the industry still reeling from recent deals and facing uncertain waters ahead.
I’ve followed these kinds of forecasts for years, and they rarely disappoint in sparking debate. Some come true in surprising ways, others fizzle out, but they always give a glimpse into the anxieties and ambitions driving the business. Let’s dive into what sixteen influential executives shared about the year to come—rephrased and unpacked with a bit of context to make sense of the chaos.
The Big Merger Mania: Who’s Buying What in 2026?
Mergers and acquisitions dominate the conversation again this year. With streaming wars intensifying and traditional media assets looking for new homes, execs are betting big on consolidation. It’s like everyone’s playing a high-stakes game of musical chairs, and no one wants to be left standing when the music stops.
NBCUniversal: The Crown Jewel Everyone Wants
Perhaps the hottest topic is the future of a major legacy media company that includes a broadcast network, studios, and a streaming service. Several insiders believe its parent company might finally decide to sell—or at least parts of it—after missing out on other big combinations.
One bold take: A major tech giant with deep pockets in Cupertino could swoop in and acquire the whole thing. In my view, this makes a certain sense—adding premium content and live news could supercharge their push into entertainment. It’s refreshing to hear something beyond the usual suspects.
Another variation: Either a Seattle-based e-commerce behemoth or the world’s biggest video platform might grab key assets like the studio and streamer. The thinking here is that recent deals have reset valuation expectations upward, making a sale more appealing now. They even floated the idea of spinning off local stations to dodge regulatory headaches.
Selling now could capitalize on a higher multiple before things cool off again.
Then there’s the contingency plan angle. If a newly merged entertainment player loses out on another massive target, they might pivot to this prize—but only after shedding their own broadcast network to avoid antitrust issues. It’s a clever workaround, though regulators would scrutinize it closely.
Not everyone agrees on a sale, though. One exec thinks the parent company has a smarter play: Acquiring a leading smart TV platform with a market cap around $16 billion. That move would secure national distribution while bolstering their ad-supported media business. Smart, if they can pull it off without overpaying.
The Battle for a Struggling Media Giant
Drama surrounds a company that’s been in flux, with talks of deals involving streaming giants falling through or facing challenges. One insider predicts a family-led entertainment firm will ultimately win out, convincing the board to go all-in on a full acquisition.
If that falls apart, the backup? Snagging a rebranded regional sports network operator, adding a bunch of local sports channels to their portfolio. It’s a niche but strategic way to build sports credibility amid bigger ambitions.
Honestly, the back-and-forth here feels like a soap opera. Deals like this can drag on forever, but 2026 might finally bring resolution—or more twists.
Looking Back at Last Year’s Hits and Misses
Before going further, it’s worth noting how accurate some past predictions were. One foresaw a bid for studio and streaming assets that got close but went elsewhere. Broadcast mergers happened in pieces, a gaming giant got acquired (though not by big tech), and a sports streaming venture never launched while rivals bundled instead.
These near-misses remind me why I love this exercise—it’s not about perfection but spotting trends early.
Sports Media: Where the Real Money Flows
If mergers are the drama, sports rights are the lifeblood. Execs see 2026 as pivotal, with leagues racing to secure bags amid competition from tech streamers.
NFL Accelerating Everything
The big one: The league could extend deals with current broadcast and cable partners early. Why wait when threats from streaming platforms loom? Locking in now ensures stability and big checks.
Additionally, an international package—potentially up to 16 games involving every team—might go exclusively to a prime subscriber service, building on their existing Thursday night package.
- Early renewals with traditional partners
- New global games bundle for a tech streamer
- Potential ripple effects on other leagues
One ripple: This rush could force baseball and hockey to move up their own negotiations. Better to grab the cash before football hogs it all.
College Sports and Expansions
On the college front, expect growth. Men’s basketball tournament could jump from 68 to 76 teams, while football playoffs might expand beyond 12—maybe to 16 or more. Not the wildest bet, but it feels inevitable with revenue pressures.
The Pain of Paying for Sports
Here’s the tough part: To afford escalating rights fees, traditional companies may gut entertainment budgets on linear channels. Non-sports programming takes the hit—fewer scripted shows, more reality or cheap fills. It’s a grim but realistic trade-off.
Labor Troubles Ahead
Two leagues face potential lockouts: Women’s basketball amid slow CBA talks, and baseball as its agreement expires late in the year. Owners and players clashing over revenue shares could mean delayed or canceled seasons. Fingers crossed it doesn’t get that messy.
Wild Cards and Miscellaneous Bets
Not everything fits neatly into mergers or sports. Some predictions veer into leadership changes, TV talent moves, and even industry frustration.
Succession Drama at a Magic Kingdom
A major entertainment conglomerate is due to name its next leader early in 2026. One exec picks the head of experiences (parks and resorts) as the successor. It’s a safe, growth-oriented choice over pure content folks.
Unexpected TV Moves
A couple of curveballs: A recently resigned controversial congresswoman might land on a longtime daytime talk show panel. Bold, and probably divisive.
Meanwhile, a network’s new editor-in-chief could parlay town halls into her own named program. Building star power in news makes sense these days.
Hollywood’s Digital Rebellion
Finally, a cheeky one: Talent and execs might collectively shun newer online industry newsletters, calling them out for inaccuracy and irrelevance. It’s a jab at the proliferating trade chatter—funny, and maybe cathartic for some.
In 2026, Hollywood is going to stage a mass boycott of the ‘digital trades’ after discovering they are irrelevant, inane and frequently inaccurate.
Whoever said that clearly had some pent-up frustration. But it highlights how noisy the media-about-media space has become.
Wrapping this up, these predictions paint a picture of an industry in flux—desperate for scale, chasing sports dollars, and navigating tech disruption. Some will prove spot-on, others way off, but that’s the fun of it.
In my experience following this space, the real story often emerges from the interplay of these bets. Will tech finally dominate content ownership? Can traditional players hold onto live sports? 2026 promises answers—and probably more questions.
What do you think—any of these feel like sure things, or total long shots? The year ahead should be fascinating either way.
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