Looking ahead: M&A watch for 2026

Deal-making in video and telecom is already lining up for 2026, with a mix of active negotiations and informed guesses about what might come next.

Companies across broadband, pay TV, and wireless are weighing mergers, spin-offs, and asset sales as they look for scale, cut costs, and shed weaker business lines. Much of the focus is on how traditional video players will respond to streaming pressure, how telecom operators will fund fiber and 5G buildouts, and where private equity might step in. While many of the potential transactions remain speculative, the sector is clearly bracing for another round of consolidation and portfolio reshaping over the next year.