Who Owns NBCUniversal: Ownership Insights

NBCUniversal is one of the largest media and entertainment companies in the world. It operates some of the most recognizable television networks, film studios, and streaming services. For those wondering who owns NBCUniversal, the company is under the control of one of America’s most influential telecommunications and media giants.

Key Takeaway

• NBCUniversal is fully owned by Comcast Corporation, one of the largest media and telecommunications companies in the world.
• It operates as a core subsidiary under Comcast’s Content & Experiences division.
• Ownership and shareholder control of NBCUniversal is indirect, flowing through Comcast’s public shareholders, with major institutional investors like Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street holding the largest stakes in Comcast.
• This structure means Comcast’s leadership and board, rather than NBCUniversal itself, oversee strategic decisions, making NBCUniversal a powerful but wholly controlled arm of its parent company.

NBCUniversal Company Profile

NBCUniversal is one of the most influential media and entertainment conglomerates in the world. Headquartered at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, it operates across television broadcasting, film production, streaming, and theme parks. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, which took full control in 2013.

NBCUniversal owns iconic brands such as NBC, Universal Pictures, Telemundo, DreamWorks Animation, Peacock, and Universal Parks & Resorts. It is known for its role in delivering global sporting events like the Olympic Games, producing blockbuster film franchises, and shaping American news and entertainment programming.

As of 2025, NBCUniversal remains a central player in the media landscape, combining nearly a century of history in film and television with modern innovations in streaming and global entertainment. It continues to adapt to shifting consumer habits while retaining its role as a pioneer in broadcasting, cinema, and digital platforms.

Founders and Origins

NBCUniversal, in its current form, was founded in 2004. The “founders” of NBCUniversal as an entity are the merging parties: General Electric’s NBC operations and Vivendi’s Universal entertainment assets.

But its roots go much deeper. The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) dates back to 1926, following a vision by David Sarnoff, who earlier had conceptualized a national radio-broadcasting network. NBC became one of the earliest major broadcasters in the U.S.

On the film side, Universal Film Manufacturing Company was founded in 1912 by Carl Laemmle. Universal developed into a major studio, producing early film successes and evolving through decades of cinema history.

Thus, NBCUniversal is effectively the fusion of two legacy media lineages: NBC’s broadcasting legacy and Universal’s film and entertainment heritage.

Major Milestones

• 1912 – Carl Laemmle founds Universal Film Manufacturing Company, later known as Universal Pictures.
• 1926 – NBC (National Broadcasting Company) is founded by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and becomes the first major U.S. broadcast network.
• 1930s – Universal Pictures releases iconic horror films including Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Mummy, shaping the genre.
• 1954 – NBC broadcasts the Tournament of Roses Parade in color, pioneering color TV programming in the U.S.
• 1964 – Universal Studios Hollywood opens, becoming the first Universal theme park and introducing the studio tour.
• 1986 – NBC is acquired by General Electric (GE), marking its first shift into corporate conglomerate ownership.
• 1990s – Universal releases blockbuster films such as Jurassic Park (1993) and expands its theme parks internationally with Orlando and Japan.
• 2000 – Vivendi acquires Seagram (then-owner of Universal), consolidating Universal’s entertainment assets under Vivendi Universal.
• 2004 – NBC merges with Vivendi Universal Entertainment to create NBC Universal, Inc.
• 2009 – Comcast announces plans to acquire a majority stake in NBCUniversal from General Electric.
• 2011 – Comcast completes its acquisition of a 51% stake in NBCUniversal.
• 2013 – Comcast buys GE’s remaining 49% stake, gaining full ownership of NBCUniversal.
• 2016 – NBCUniversal acquires DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion, expanding its family entertainment portfolio.
• 2020 – Peacock streaming service launches, entering the competitive direct-to-consumer market.
• 2021 – NBCUniversal broadcasts the Tokyo Summer Olympics, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a milestone in streaming coverage.
• 2022 – Peacock surpasses 20 million subscribers, driven by sports and exclusive content.
• 2024 – NBCUniversal delivers coverage of the Paris Summer Olympics, highlighting Comcast’s long-term Olympic broadcasting deal.
• 2025 – NBCUniversal named to TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list, fueled by its role in global media, box office success, and the development of “Epic Universe” theme park in Orlando. Comcast also restructures its cable networks under the new “Versant” brand to adapt to digital-first audiences.

Who Owns NBCUniversal?

NBCUniversal is fully owned by Comcast Corporation, one of the largest telecommunications and media companies in the world. Since 2013, Comcast has held 100% ownership of NBCUniversal, making it a wholly owned subsidiary.

Unlike some media companies that are publicly traded on their own, NBCUniversal is not listed separately on the stock exchange. Its value and performance are reported as part of Comcast’s consolidated financials.

The ownership gives Comcast a powerful balance of both content creation and distribution. Through NBCUniversal, Comcast controls some of the most recognizable media brands, ranging from film studios and TV networks to streaming and theme parks.

Parent Company: Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation is the parent company of NBCUniversal. Comcast is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and operates in three major business segments: Comcast Cable (Xfinity), NBCUniversal, and Sky Group.

Each of these divisions strengthens Comcast’s global influence, making it a unique blend of connectivity services, media content, and international distribution.

Comcast was founded in 1963 by Ralph J. Roberts, Daniel Aaron, and Julian A. Brodsky as a small cable television operator. Over the decades, it grew through acquisitions and technological advancements, transforming from a regional cable provider into a multinational media powerhouse.

Today, under the leadership of Brian L. Roberts, Comcast is a Fortune 30 company and consistently ranks among the top global corporations in revenue and market value.

In 2011, Comcast entered the entertainment content space on a massive scale by acquiring control of NBCUniversal.

By 2013, it completed the acquisition and became the sole parent company of NBCUniversal. This move was strategic because it combined Comcast’s vast distribution infrastructure with NBCUniversal’s content creation capabilities. It allowed Comcast to own both the “pipes” delivering entertainment and the entertainment itself.

Comcast’s influence is enhanced by its ownership structure.

While the company is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol CMCSA, the Roberts family holds significant control through a dual-class stock system. This gives them enhanced voting power, ensuring long-term stability in the company’s leadership direction.

As of 2025, Comcast generates annual revenues exceeding $120 billion, with NBCUniversal contributing a large share through its television networks, film studios, streaming service Peacock, and theme parks. The company’s global workforce exceeds 180,000 employees, spread across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Comcast has also invested heavily in technology and international expansion. In 2018, it acquired Sky Group, a leading European pay-TV and broadband provider, for over $39 billion. This gave Comcast and NBCUniversal access to millions of new customers across the U.K., Germany, Italy, and other European markets, expanding the parent company’s global media footprint.

Acquisition Insights and Details

The modern form of NBCUniversal was created in 2004, when General Electric (then-owner of NBC) merged its broadcast division with Vivendi Universal Entertainment. This merger established NBC Universal, Inc., with GE as the majority shareholder.

In 2009, Comcast announced that it would acquire a controlling interest in NBCUniversal. The deal closed in 2011, giving Comcast 51% ownership, while GE retained 49%. This was a landmark transaction in the media industry, valued at nearly $30 billion, and signaled Comcast’s ambition to expand beyond cable services into content creation and global entertainment.

By 2013, Comcast had purchased the remaining 49% stake from General Electric for $16.7 billion. This acquisition gave Comcast full ownership of NBCUniversal, transforming it into one of the most powerful vertically integrated media conglomerates in the world.

Since then, NBCUniversal has grown further through acquisitions. One notable deal was the 2016 acquisition of DreamWorks Animation for $3.8 billion. This added popular franchises like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and How to Train Your Dragon to its portfolio.

Comcast also strengthened NBCUniversal’s global footprint with its 2018 acquisition of Sky Group, a European pay-TV and broadband giant. While Sky operates as a separate division, it expanded NBCUniversal’s international reach and content distribution capabilities.

Who Runs NBCUniversal?

NBCUniversal is fully owned and overseen by Comcast Corporation, which means ultimate decision-making power resides at Comcast’s executive level. Comcast’s Chairman and CEO, Brian L. Roberts, has the final say in the strategic direction of NBCUniversal. While NBCUniversal has historically had a single CEO, Comcast now directly supervises its operations through a decentralized leadership model. This approach reflects Comcast’s long-term plan to spin off some assets while keeping the most profitable divisions under tighter control.

Division-Based Leadership

Since 2023, NBCUniversal has been managed by a group of top executives running individual business units instead of one overall CEO. Each executive reports up to Comcast leadership and manages a significant portion of the company’s global operations.

News Division

The news operations are led by Cesar Conde, Chairman of the NBCUniversal News Group. He oversees NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, and related digital platforms. Conde is responsible for editorial direction, news programming, and the group’s digital transformation, making him one of the most influential figures within NBCUniversal.

Film and Television Studios

Donna Langley is the Chair of NBCUniversal Studio Group and Chief Content Officer. She manages Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Illumination, and DreamWorks Animation. Her role includes overseeing blockbuster franchises such as Jurassic World, Fast & Furious, and Minions. Langley also plays a key role in Peacock’s scripted content strategy, ensuring that NBCUniversal’s creative output fuels both theaters and streaming.

Entertainment and Networks

Frances Berwick is responsible for NBCUniversal Entertainment, covering broadcast and cable networks, as well as Peacock’s unscripted programming. She oversees Bravo, E!, USA Network, Oxygen, and other lifestyle and reality-focused channels. Berwick plays a central role in managing unscripted hits and network strategies across NBCU’s entertainment properties.

Pearlena Igbokwe leads Universal Studio Group, which includes Universal Television and Universal Content Productions. She focuses on scripted programming for both network television and streaming platforms.

Theme Parks and Experiences

Mark Woodbury is the Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences. He runs Universal’s global theme parks, including those in Orlando, Hollywood, Japan, Singapore, and Beijing. Under his leadership, NBCUniversal is expanding with Epic Universe, a massive new theme park in Orlando set to open in 2025, one of the company’s largest capital projects ever.

Strategic and Financial Oversight

While these executives run the divisions day-to-day, Comcast provides centralized financial oversight. Decisions about acquisitions, restructuring, and large-scale investments—such as securing Olympic broadcasting rights through 2036—are made with Comcast’s board approval.

The Roberts family, through their voting control of Comcast, ensures stability and long-term direction. This family influence continues to shape NBCUniversal’s priorities, particularly in streaming (Peacock), film production, and global theme park expansion.

NBCUniversal Annual Revenue and Net Worth

In 2025, NBCUniversal continues to generate strong revenue as part of Comcast’s content and entertainment arm, contributing substantially to the parent company’s valuation. Analysts estimate that NBCUniversal itself brings in nearly $40 billion annually in revenue, while Comcast as a whole is valued at over $120 billion in market capitalization. This dual strength reflects NBCUniversal’s central role in driving entertainment, streaming, and live programming growth.

2025 Revenue Performance

NBCUniversal’s revenue is embedded within Comcast’s “Content & Experiences” segment, which also includes other media assets. In recent quarterly reports, this segment’s revenue has shown year-on-year gains. For example, in Q3, the content and experiences unit delivered $12.6 billion in revenue, up about 19.3 percent, with media revenues rising sharply thanks to live programming and Olympics coverage. Studios also saw growth, while theme park revenue dipped slightly due to attendance fluctuations.

In the first quarter of 2025, operations that include NBCUniversal recorded revenue of about $6.44 billion, reflecting modest growth in media operations despite pressure on ad markets. U.S. ad revenue slipped, but gains in streaming and live event programming helped cushion the impact.

NBCUniversal’s advertising sales also broke records in 2025. The company closed its 2025–26 upfront negotiation cycle with the highest ad sales volume in its history. That success was driven by its strong sports and live event slate, expanded rights to the NBA, and growth in Peacock’s reach.

According to internal restructuring plans, NBCUniversal executives maintain that the media business will retain nearly $40 billion in annual revenue, even as Comcast re-organizes its cable and network assets under a new spin-off entity.

These figures show how NBCUniversal remains a major revenue engine within Comcast, especially in content, streaming, and live event monetization.

Net Worth, Valuation & Market Position

Because NBCUniversal is not public on its own, its “net worth” is implicit in Comcast’s market valuation and in valuations of its media assets by analysts. As of mid-2025, Comcast’s market capitalization ranges between $117 billion and $130 billion depending on market conditions. Much of this value is attributed to its media, broadband, and international holdings.

Analysts often estimate that NBCUniversal contributes more than one-third of Comcast’s enterprise value, placing its implied value somewhere between $35 billion and $50 billion or higher, depending on growth prospects, content libraries, and streaming traction.

In addition, NBCUniversal’s value is boosted by its long-term holdings—such as Olympic broadcast rights through 2036—its control over major content franchises, and its international reach via theme parks and distribution partnerships. The company’s valuation also relies on its ability to monetize streaming and live assets profitably.

While precise net worth is not disclosed, the strength of its revenue base, content portfolio, and strategic assets means NBCUniversal is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Comcast’s valuation and among the most valuable entertainment divisions in the world.

Brands Owned by NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal owns a wide variety of subsidiaries and brands across different sectors of media and entertainment. Below is a list of major subsidiaries and brands owned by NBCUniversal as of October 2025:

NBC (National Broadcasting Company)

NBC is the company’s flagship broadcast network. It is one of the “big three” U.S. broadcast networks and remains central to NBCUniversal’s advertising, news, and entertainment strategy. NBC supplies primetime entertainment, daytime programming, late-night shows, and a large slate of sports and special-event broadcasts. The network’s programming continues to feed both linear audiences and Peacock, with cross-platform strategies designed to maximize live-event value and streaming retention.

NBC News Group

NBC News Group houses NBC News, NBC Nightly News, the Today show, and the company’s major news production capabilities. As of 2025 it also oversees digital news products and partnerships. The group coordinates investigative reporting, long-form journalism, and multiplatform news distribution. NBC News Group is a strategic asset for credibility and reach, and it supplies content across broadcast, cable, streaming, and digital channels.

MSNBC

MSNBC is NBCUniversal’s opinion and cable news channel focused on long-form news analysis and political commentary. It operates as a distinct editorial brand with its own primetime lineup and digital presence. MSNBC contributes to NBCUniversal’s cable ad revenue and plays an important role in audience segmentation for political and public-affairs advertisers.

CNBC

CNBC is NBCUniversal’s global business news network. It provides real-time financial markets coverage, business features, and original programming about the global economy. CNBC’s programming is monetized through advertising, sponsored content, and licensing to international versions of the brand. It also supplies business-focused shows and content to Peacock and international partners.

NBC Sports

NBC Sports is the sports programming and rights arm of NBCUniversal. It manages marquee rights, production, and distribution for major sporting properties, including long-term Olympic coverage and flagship national sports broadcasts. NBC Sports also coordinates multiplatform distribution, selling ad inventory across linear channels and streaming on Peacock to capture live-event audiences.

Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is NBCUniversal’s primary film studio. It develops, produces, and distributes theatrical films across all genres. The studio owns and manages major franchises and releases tentpole films that drive box-office revenue, global licensing, and ancillary streams such as streaming windows and home entertainment. Universal Pictures provides a deep content library that feeds Peacock and other distribution outlets.

Focus Features

Focus Features is NBCUniversal’s specialty and arthouse film label. It develops, acquires, and distributes independent, international, and auteur-driven films. Focus focuses on prestige titles that perform at festivals and awards season, and its catalog enhances NBCUniversal’s repertoire of differentiated content for both theatrical release and streaming curation.

Illumination

Illumination is the animation studio responsible for family animated franchises such as the Minions series. As an owned label within NBCUniversal’s film portfolio, Illumination produces animated theatrical releases and related consumer products and licensing. Its consistent family-oriented box office performance is a strategic pillar for franchise development and theme-park tie-ins.

DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation is NBCUniversal’s major acquired animation studio. Acquired in 2016, DreamWorks brings established franchises, TV and streaming series, and production pipelines that supply family content to theatrical and streaming windows. The studio’s creative output supports Peacock family offerings and powers cross-platform merchandising and park integrations.

Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (umbrella)

This group is the organizational umbrella that brings Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation, and related distribution and marketing operations together. The group coordinates release strategies, franchise management, and global distribution to optimize theatrical windows, streaming windows, and licensing revenue streams.

Universal Studio Group / Universal Television

Universal Studio Group (including Universal Television and Universal Content Productions) is NBCUniversal’s television production and studio operation. It develops and produces scripted and unscripted television for broadcast, cable, and streaming. The studios create programming for NBC, Peacock, and third-party platforms, supplying a steady pipeline of TV series, limited series, and specials.

Peacock

Peacock is NBCUniversal’s direct-to-consumer streaming service. Launched in 2020, Peacock aggregates NBCU’s film and TV libraries, original programming, live sports, and news. It operates a hybrid business model with ad-supported and subscription tiers. Peacock is central to NBCUniversal’s streaming strategy and is positioned as the destination for the company’s theatrical and television windows after they leave cinemas and broadcast.

Telemundo and Telemundo Enterprises

Telemundo is NBCUniversal’s major Spanish-language broadcast network in the United States. It produces telenovelas, sports, news, and original Spanish-language content targeted at Hispanic audiences. Telemundo Enterprises includes Telemundo Studios (production), Telemundo Deportes (sports), and linear and digital distribution that complement NBCUniversal’s English-language offerings. Universo is the sibling Spanish cable network that extends Spanish-language reach across cable and streaming.

Bravo

Bravo is a lifestyle and reality-focused cable network owned and operated by NBCUniversal. Known for unscripted franchises, reality series, and entertainment programming, Bravo contributes strong branded ad inventory and franchise value that flows into Peacock and international distribution.

USA Network

USA Network is a general-entertainment cable channel under NBCUniversal, carrying scripted series, films, and unscripted programming. The network is part of NBCU’s broader linear portfolio and provides programming that targets mass-audience viewers while complementing premium content on Peacock and Universal’s studio outputs.

E!

E! is NBCUniversal’s entertainment news and celebrity culture network. It produces red-carpet coverage, celebrity news programs, and lifestyle content. E! helps NBCUniversal capture pop-culture audiences and creates content that can be repackaged across digital platforms and Peacock.

SYFY

SYFY is NBCUniversal’s genre network focused on science fiction, fantasy, and horror programming. It commissions original scripted series, airs acquired genre films and series, and supports fandom-driven programming that contributes to NBCUniversal’s niche audience reach.

Oxygen

Oxygen, owned by NBCUniversal, focuses largely on true-crime programming and documentary content. The network’s specialized audience and programming mix provide differentiated ad inventory and content that can be repurposed for streaming and international licensing.

Universal Destinations & Experiences (Universal Parks & Resorts)

Universal Destinations & Experiences operates NBCUniversal’s global theme-park business. This division owns and runs Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort (including Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay), Universal Studios Japan, Universal Studios Singapore, and Universal Beijing Resort. By 2025 the division opened Epic Universe in Orlando, expanded ride IP integrations, and increasingly ties film and franchise content into immersive guest experiences. Parks drive ticketing, resort, licensing, and merchandise revenues that are highly synergistic with Universal’s film and franchise portfolio.

Universal Brand Development

Universal Brand Development manages consumer products, licensing, and brand extensions for NBCUniversal’s franchises. It translates film and TV IP into merchandise, publishing, and partner licensing deals. This unit is essential for monetizing franchises beyond screens and into retail, theme-park attractions, and experiential offerings.

NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations (Local Stations)

NBCUniversal directly owns and operates a portfolio of local broadcast television stations in major U.S. markets. These owned stations produce local news, local advertising, syndicated programming, and act as distribution points for network programming. The owned-station group is a critical local advertising and affiliate-service business that supports the national network footprint.

Fandango & Fandango Media Brands

Fandango, operated under NBCUniversal, is the company’s consumer movie-ticketing and film discovery business. Over time, Fandango has expanded to include online ticketing, film discovery, and related services, aggregating consumer reviews and commerce. Brands closely associated with Fandango under NBCUniversal’s ownership include review and discovery platforms that support theatrical distribution and studio release strategies.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment & Distribution Services

This arm handles physical- and digital-home entertainment distribution for Universal’s film library and new releases. It coordinates home-video releases, licensing to digital retailers, and platform distribution windows. Distribution services also include international sales and logistics for studio content across global markets.

NBCUniversal International Networks and Regional Operations

NBCUniversal operates a range of international networks and localized channels outside the United States. These channels distribute NBCU content in local languages, operate regional programming strategies, and manage distribution partnerships that amplify the company’s global reach without relying on Comcast’s separate international assets.

Production and Indie Labels Owned by NBCUniversal

NBCUniversal owns or controls several smaller production labels and specialty units beyond the major studios—these include boutique production divisions, unscripted production houses, and labels that focus on specific genres or markets. These units allow NBCUniversal to diversify creative output and produce targeted content for both Peacock and third-party buyers.

Music and Live Entertainment Extensions (IP Licensing)

While not a record-company owner, NBCUniversal actively licenses its film and TV IP for live touring productions, stage adaptations, and concert-style events. These operations are typically coordinated through Universal Brand Development and Universal Destinations & Experiences and are intended to extend franchises into live consumer experiences.

Final Thoughts

NBCUniversal is a cornerstone of the global media landscape. The answer to who owns NBCUniversal is straightforward: Comcast Corporation. Comcast’s full ownership gives it control over some of the world’s most recognizable entertainment assets, from NBC News to Universal Pictures. With a powerful presence in broadcasting, film, streaming, and theme parks, NBCUniversal continues to shape how audiences consume content worldwide.

FAQs

Who owns NBCUniversal News Group?

NBCUniversal News Group is owned by NBCUniversal, which itself is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. The News Group includes NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, and NBC News Digital.

Is NBCUniversal owned by Comcast?

Yes, NBCUniversal is fully owned by Comcast Corporation. Comcast acquired a majority stake in 2011 and completed full ownership by 2013, making NBCUniversal a wholly owned subsidiary.

What does NBCUniversal own?

NBCUniversal owns a wide range of media, entertainment, and theme park assets. These include NBC broadcast network, Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation, Peacock streaming service, Telemundo, Bravo, USA Network, E!, SYFY, Oxygen, NBC Sports, Universal Destinations & Experiences (theme parks), Fandango, and local NBC stations, among others.

Who owns NBCUniversal and Comcast?

NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation. Comcast itself is a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker CMCSA. Its largest shareholders are major institutional investors like Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street, while overall control rests with Comcast’s leadership and board of directors.

Who owns NBCUniversal?

NBCUniversal is fully owned by Comcast Corporation, which acquired complete ownership in 2013.

Does GE still own part of NBCUniversal?

No. General Electric sold its remaining 49% stake in 2013, ending its ownership role.

Who controls Comcast and NBCUniversal?

Comcast is a publicly traded company, but the Roberts family controls it through special voting shares. This gives them influence over NBCUniversal as well.

Is NBCUniversal publicly traded?

No, NBCUniversal is not directly listed on the stock market. It is a subsidiary of Comcast, which trades publicly on NASDAQ.