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Erik Gruenwedel<\/a><\/p>\n June 25, 2026<\/p>\n \t<\/p>\n Comcast-owned Sky Group has reportedly agreed to acquire the media and entertainment business unit of U.K.-based ITV for $2.1 billion. The deal is expected to be announced in two weeks.<\/p>\n Satellite operator Sky will absorb ITV\u2019s broadcast network, linear free-to-air channels, and the ITVX subscription streaming service with 900,000 paid subscribers and 16.4 million monthly active users for its free ad-supported tier.<\/p>\n Sky\u2019s current standalone streaming service, NOW, operates in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy. It allows users to watch Sky\u2019s entertainment channels (such as Sky Atlantic), live sports, and movies without a satellite dish or long-term contract.<\/span> The company also operates joint venture SkyShowtime with Paramount in 20 European markets, among other streaming assets.<\/p>\n The deal is expected to receive regulatory scrutiny from the U.K.\u2019s Competition and Markets Authority, and separately Ofcom, regarding the combination of the two company\u2019s TV news divisions.<\/p>\n ITV Studios, which will is not part of the deal and will remain as a separate standalone content company, will get Sky\u2019s Love Productions, the reality-based producer of \u201cThe Great British Bake Off,\u201d and \u201cThe Piano,\u201d among other content, in an asset swap valued at upwards of $160 million.<\/p>\n ITV Studios\u2019 biggest shows in the U.S. include Peacock\u2019s \u201cLove Island,\u201d \u201cThe Voice,\u201d Netflix\u2019s \u201cWorst Roommate Ever,\u201d \u201cQueer Eye,\u201d \u201cEscaping Twin Flames,\u201d and History Channel\u2019s \u201cAlone,\u201d among other programming.<\/p>\n