If you still think of Comcast as just "the cable guy," you're living in 2010. Honestly, the footprint this Philadelphia giant has on your daily life is kind of staggering. From the movie you watched last Friday to the high-speed fiber powering your home office, Comcast is usually the one pulling the strings behind the scenes.
But 2026 has changed things. Big time.
In a move that caught some folks off guard, Comcast recently finished spinning off a huge chunk of its most famous cable networks into a brand-new, independent company called Versant Media Group. If you're looking for MSNBC or USA Network, they aren't technically under the "Comcast" umbrella in the same way they used to be.
Let’s get into what they actually kept and who they still own right now.
The Core Powerhouse: Connectivity and Xfinity
Basically, Comcast’s bread and butter remains the stuff that gets you online. This is the Connectivity & Platforms side of the house. You probably know it as Xfinity.
It’s not just cable TV anymore. Xfinity is one of the largest internet service providers in the world. They’ve gone all-in on 10G and fiber-to-the-home tech to keep up with the gamers and remote workers. They also own Xfinity Mobile, which uses Verizon’s towers but is 100% a Comcast product.
Beyond the US borders, they own Sky Group. If you’ve ever lived in the UK, Italy, or Germany, you know Sky is the "DirectTV" of Europe, but with better original programming. Comcast bought them for nearly $40 billion back in 2018, and it gave them a massive foothold in international streaming and satellite.
NBCUniversal: The Content King
This is where the glitz and glamour happen. Even after the Versant spin-off, Comcast held onto the "crown jewels" of the NBCUniversal empire.
We’re talking about:
- NBC News & NBC Entertainment: The broadcast network, the local stations, and the legendary news division.
- Peacock: Their bet on the future of streaming. It’s where all those Bravo shows and Universal movies land.
- Universal Pictures: The studio that gave us Oppenheimer, Jurassic Park, and Despicable Me. They also own Illumination (Minions!) and DreamWorks Animation.
- Universal Destinations & Experiences: Their theme park division. If you’ve been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando or Hollywood, you were on Comcast property. They are currently building Epic Universe in Orlando, which is basically their "Disney World killer."
- Telemundo: The massive Spanish-language media company that dominates US Hispanic television.
The Big 2026 Breakup: What is Versant Media?
Okay, so what did they actually get rid of? In January 2026, Comcast offloaded several legacy cable channels to Versant Media Group. This was a tax-free distribution to shareholders.
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If you want to know who owns these brands now, it’s Versant, not Comcast:
- MS NOW (the channel formerly known as MSNBC)
- CNBC
- USA Network
- Oxygen True Crime
- E!
- SYFY
- Golf Channel
- Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes
Wait, Fandango? Yeah, even the movie ticket site and the "Tomato Meter" went with the spin-off. It’s a bold move. Comcast essentially decided to keep the "Growth" assets (Theme parks, Streaming, Internet) and let the "Legacy" cable channels try to survive on their own.
Sports and the "Spectacor" Side
You’ve heard of the Philadelphia Flyers? Comcast owns them.
Through a subsidiary called Comcast Spectacor, the company owns the Flyers and the Philadelphia Wings (lacrosse). They also own and operate the Wells Fargo Center (now often called the Xfinity Mobile Arena) in Philly.
They’ve also dipped their toes deep into esports. They have a massive stake in T1 Entertainment & Sports, the legendary South Korean organization that dominates League of Legends. If you follow Faker, you’re indirectly following a Comcast-backed venture.
Why Does This Matter to You?
Ownership isn't just a fun fact for Wall Street. It affects what you pay and what you can watch. Because Comcast owns the pipes (Xfinity) and the water (NBCUniversal), they have a "vertical integration" that most companies dream of.
When you see a Universal movie promoted heavily on your Xfinity cable box, or you get a "free" Peacock subscription with your internet plan, that’s the synergy in action. It’s also why net neutrality is such a hot-button issue—when the company that sells you internet also owns the movies you’re trying to stream, there’s always a question of whether they’ll "fast lane" their own stuff.
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What’s Next for Comcast?
The 2026 spin-off signals a new era. They are leaner now. They are focusing on Broadband, Wireless, and Theme Parks.
If you’re a consumer, expect to see more bundles. Comcast is moving toward a world where your phone, your internet, and your Universal theme park passes are all on one bill.
If you are looking to manage your relationship with these brands, here is what you should do:
- Check your bills: With the Versant spin-off, some "bundled" channels might change in price or packaging over the next year.
- Audit your streaming: If you have Xfinity, check your rewards portal. They often hide Peacock Premium or theme park discounts in there that most people never claim.
- Watch the theme parks: Epic Universe is the biggest project in their history. If you're planning a vacation, keep an eye on "Comcast-exclusive" early access for Xfinity customers.
The landscape is shifting, but for now, Comcast remains the 800-pound gorilla of the American living room.