NBCUniversal has made a seven-year deal with Warner Bros. for the commercial television rights of J.K. Rowling wizarding world franchises, including “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” franchises, beginning in July 2018, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Wall Street Journal reported the eight “Harry Potter” movies will primarily air on USA and Syfy, and the content will also be used as material at several of the company’s theme parks.
Walt Disney currently holds the rights to the “Harry Potter” franchise, but they will become NBCU’s property when the existing deal expires next summer.
“NBC was willing to step up significantly to acquire the franchise,” Warner Bros. president of worldwide television distribution Jeffrey Schlesinger told the WSJ. “It made sense to marshal all the assets we have.”
Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. The WSJ, citing people “familiar with the agreement,” estimates it could be as high as $250 million.
“Wizarding World of Harry Potter” is already a popular attraction at NBCU’s Universal Studios Hollywood Park.