Paramount Defends $110 Billion WBD Deal as 12 States Seek to Block Merger
Updated
Updated · Deadline · Jul 13
Paramount Defends $110 Billion WBD Deal as 12 States Seek to Block Merger
3 articles · Updated · Deadline · Jul 13
Summary
Paramount said it will vigorously fight a 12-state antitrust lawsuit filed Monday to stop its pending $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The company called the case legally and factually flawed, arguing the combined group would strengthen competition against dominant streaming platforms such as Netflix rather than reduce consumer choice.
The states contend the merger would give the new company too much power in pay TV and movie studios, leading to fewer choices, higher prices, lower pay and fewer jobs.
Paramount said multiple global regulators have already cleared or allowed the deal to proceed, while UK and EU reviews are in their final stages ahead of a September 30 closing deadline tied to a ticking fee.
Why did the Justice Department approve a merger that 12 states argue is illegal?
Does this Hollywood merger create a new streaming titan or just a weaker giant?
Could foreign funds owning a media giant influence what Americans see on the news?
$111 Billion Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Faces State-Led Federal Lawsuit Amid Fierce Antitrust and Industry Backlash
Overview
On July 13, 2026, 12 state attorneys general, led by California, filed a federal lawsuit to block the $111 billion merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance. This legal action directly challenges the U.S. Department of Justice, which had approved the deal in mid-June, stating it would not harm competition or consumers. The states’ lawsuit aims to halt the merger, despite it already receiving regulatory approval in over 20 countries. This clash highlights a sharp divide between state and federal authorities over the merger’s impact on competition and the future of the entertainment industry.