Overview
- Lionsgate and SP Media announced the joint venture on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, with Lionsgate retaining majority ownership and operational control of the new entity.
- SP Media will make a significant but undisclosed capital investment and will produce a slate of independent feature films that Lionsgate will distribute; Steven Paul is not buying a minority stake in Lionsgate itself.
- The companies named deal negotiators and advisers, with Lionsgate led internally by Brian Goldsmith, Bruce Tobey and Suzy Felfeli and financial advice provided by Moelis to Lionsgate and Lazard to SP Media; Paul Hastings represented SP Media legally.
- The joint venture is aimed at expanding Lionsgate’s content ecosystem, including continuing to diversify 3 Arts Entertainment into areas such as sports and influencers, a move intended to broaden revenue as traditional film economics remain strained.
- The announcement follows reports that Legendary revived an acquisition bid for Lionsgate last week, but Deadline sources say no formal sale process has been launched and no bankers have been hired.