Netflix Enters Negotiations to Acquire Historic Radford Studio Center

Netflix is currently in active negotiations to purchase the historic Radford Studio Center located in Studio City, California. The potential acquisition marks a significant move for the streaming giant as it seeks to expand its physical production footprint within the San Fernando Valley. The studio lot is a landmark location in entertainment history, having served as the filming site for legendary television programs such as Seinfeld, Gunsmoke, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. It currently houses local news operations for CBS 2 and KCAL 9. The property has seen significant financial activity in recent years. In 2021, Viacom CBS sold the 55-acre facility to Hackman Capital Partners and Square Mile Capital Management for $1.85 billion. However, the ownership landscape shifted in January 2026 when Hackman Capital Partners defaulted on a $1.1 billion mortgage, leading Goldman Sachs to take control of the asset. Reports indicate that the current negotiations for a sale to Netflix are valued between $330 million and $400 million. This potential purchase is part of a broader strategy by Netflix to solidify its infrastructure for film and television production. Over the past decade, the company has invested approximately $135 billion into production efforts globally. This massive capital allocation reflects the company's ongoing commitment to maintaining a robust pipeline of original content for its international subscriber base. Beyond the potential Radford deal, Netflix has been aggressively expanding its physical studio presence in various regions. In New Mexico, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos recently announced a major expansion of the Albuquerque Studios. This project includes the addition of four new soundstages, three mills, and a production office, supported by a $2 billion commitment from the company. The expansion is expected to create thousands of jobs and provide a significant boost to the local economy. New Jersey has also become a key hub for the company's production operations. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority recently designated Netflix as a Studio Partner, facilitating the development of a state-of-the-art campus at the former Fort Monmouth site. This facility is slated to feature 12 soundstages and over one million square feet of production space, with a full opening projected for 2028. These investments allow the company to leverage state-specific film tax credits while building permanent production capacity. International markets remain a priority for the company's long-term growth strategy as well. In early 2025, Netflix committed to a $1 billion investment in Mexico to support the production of series and films over a four-year period. This investment focuses on utilizing local infrastructure, including the historic Churubusco Studios, to produce content for both domestic and global audiences. While the company continues to scale its physical assets, it is also navigating changes in its creative partnerships. Reports from April 2026 suggest that Higher Ground, the production company founded by former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, is planning to move toward an independent model. While the company's existing first-look deal with Netflix remains in effect for current projects, sources indicate that Higher Ground does not intend to renew the pact upon its expiration. These developments highlight the evolving business model of major streaming platforms as they transition from purely digital distributors to owners of massive physical production ecosystems. By controlling studio lots and production facilities, companies like Netflix aim to streamline their creative workflows and reduce reliance on third-party rental spaces. This shift represents a significant consolidation of resources within the modern entertainment industry. As the industry continues to adapt to changing viewer habits, the competition for high-quality production space remains intense. The potential acquisition of the Radford Studio Center would provide Netflix with a strategic base in the heart of Los Angeles' production community. Industry analysts continue to monitor these infrastructure investments as indicators of the company's long-term production capacity and financial health.