Elon Musk is reportedly now an investor in David Ellison’s Skydance. The development follows Skydance’s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The company now faces the challenge of managing its finances while competing in an increasingly crowded streaming market.
According to Semafor, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, Musk has reportedly invested $1 billion in Skydance. The report also comes as the company works to manage its substantial debt and pursue cost reductions. Neither Musk nor Skydance has publicly confirmed the reported transaction or disclosed its terms.
Larry Ellison’s ties to Musk could shape Skydance’s next move
Musk’s reported investment adds another link to his relationship with Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, David Ellison’s father. Larry Ellison backed Musk’s $44 billion acquisition of Twitter in 2022, contributing $1 billion to the deal. He also invested in Tesla in 2018 and served on its board of directors for several years.
Larry Ellison has also played a major role in financing his son’s media ambitions. He personally guaranteed more than $40 billion in equity financing for the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition. This helped Skydance complete the major transaction.
Media executive John Malone also predicted that SpaceX could invest between $8 billion and $10 billion in Skydance as part of a potential content distribution agreement. Speaking at the Paley International Council Summit, he said, “I think there’s a deal coming there.” Malone argued that such an arrangement could help Skydance reduce its debt. However, this is still speculation, and SpaceX hasn’t confirmed any investment.
Meanwhile, David Ellison has emphasized technology as a priority for the expanded company. In a recent CNBC interview, he said, “We are building a true product and tech team.” He also described artificial intelligence as “a tool for artists, not the other way around.” These comments reflect the company’s growing interest in technology as it adapts to its expanding portfolio of media properties.
Musk’s reported investment could help Skydance fund its plans. However, it’s unclear whether he’ll work with the company through SpaceX or his other businesses.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
