U.S. television station owner Sinclair has made an offer to merge its broadcast TV business with smaller rival Tegna , which is in advanced talks on a potential sale to Nexstar Media Group , a person familiar with the talks told Reuters on Monday.

Nexstar had been in talks with smaller rival Tegna to merge its local TV stations amid the continuing consolidation of the U.S. broadcast sector.

A blockbuster deal, a fallen rival, and a shot at dominating 80% of American screens--if regulators don't blink.

Nexstar beat out rival Sinclair, which was offering between $25 and $30 per share, significantly above Nexstar's winning bid.

Nexstar says its $6.2 billion takeover of Tegna is expected to close in the second half of 2026 — timing that would align with the lucrative wave of political ads during the midterm elections. But that plan still depends on Tegna shareholders, who may yet consider Sinclair’s competing offer.

Sinclair Inc., one of the largest owners of television stations in the US, has offered to combine its broadcast TV business with rival operator Tegna Inc., according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

Sinclair has proposed separating its Ventures business—which houses nontraditional broadcast media assets including the Tennis Channel and investments—and merging its remaining broadcast TV business with Tegna, in a deal that would value Tegna shares at around $25 to $30 apiece, the people said.

The three broadcast companies divide Portland's TV market.

Tysons, Virginia-based broadcaster Tegna, whose 64 stations include WUSA Channel 9 in D.C., agreed to be acquired by larger local TV station owner Nexstar.