Byron Allen Secures Profit from Starz Stock Sale
The media mogul sold his entire stake in the entertainment company, marking a successful financial move.
Byron Allen has made a profitable exit from his investment in Starz, selling off all 1.8 million shares he had purchased earlier in the year. This strategic move comes after the media mogul acquired a 10.7% stake in the entertainment company for $25 million in March 2026 123.
The sale of these shares, which took place in multiple tranches from August 9 to September 29, saw Allen receive a reported sum just under $45 million, though this figure is slightly higher than the $44.9 million mentioned in some reports 23. According to Variety, the selling price ranged between approximately $21 and $26 per share, indicating a solid return on his initial investment 2.
Starz, known for its original programming and streaming services, implemented a poison pill measure shortly after Allen’s initial stake purchase, likely aimed at protecting the company from potential hostile takeovers 23. Despite this defensive strategy, Allen’s decision to sell his shares did not seem to impact Starz’s financial performance; the company maintained its overall revenue at $322.4 million in Q3 2026, with streaming revenue increasing by 1.7% year over year to $226.6 million 1.
Allen’s interest in Starz extended beyond just a financial stake, as he had previously expressed a desire to acquire the entire company, showcasing his long-term vision for the entertainment sector 3. However, the current sale suggests that he may have found the timing right to realize a profit from his investment.
What we know
- Byron Allen sold all 1.8 million shares of Starz stock he owned 123
- Allen bought a 10.7% stake in Starz for $25 million in March 2026 123
- Starz implemented a poison pill measure shortly after Allen's initial stake purchase 23
- The total amount received from the sale was just under $45 million 23
- Starz's overall revenue remained at $322.4 million in Q3 2026 1
- Streaming revenue for Starz increased by 1.7% year over year to $226.6 million in Q3 2026 1
- The sale occurred in tranches from August 9 to September 29 2
- The selling price ranged between approximately $21 and $26 per share 2
- Allen previously expressed interest in acquiring the whole Starz company 3
What remains unclear
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 72%, weighted across 11 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed Byron Allen sold all 1.8 million shares of Starz stock he owned. (93%)
- confirmed Allen bought a 10.7% stake in Starz for $25 million in March 2026. (93%)
- confirmed Starz implemented a poison pill measure shortly after Allen's initial stake purchase. (85%)
- likely The total amount received from the sale was just under $45 million. (71%)
- likely Starz's overall revenue remained at $322.4 million in Q3 2026. (71%)
- likely Streaming revenue for Starz increased by 1.7% year over year to $226.6 million in Q3 2026. (71%)
- likely The sale occurred in tranches from August 9 to September 29. (71%)
- likely The selling price ranged between approximately $21 and $26 per share. (71%)
- likely Allen previously expressed interest in acquiring the whole Starz company. (71%)
- unverified Starz's net loss narrowed to $34.8 million in Q3 2026. (50%)
- disputed The sale of the Starz stock amounted to $44.9 million. (29%)
Sources
- Variety — Byron Allen Earns Profit After Selling All the Starz Stock He Bought From Steven Mnuchin
https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/byron-allen-sells-starz-stock-steven-mnuchin-1236934569/ - Deadline — Byron Allen Sells Entire Stake In Starz
https://deadline.com/2026/10/byron-allen-sells-entire-starz-stake-1237208899/ - The Hollywood Reporter — Byron Allen Sells His Stake in Starz
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/byron-allen-sells-stake-in-starz-1236742995/