Paramount Skydance Links State Antitrust Suit to Paramount+ Subscriber Lawsuit

Paramount Skydance agreed on Tuesday to have the antitrust merger case filed by 12 state attorneys general considered together with an earlier lawsuit brought by five Paramount+ subscribers. The filing asks that the California case be treated as related to the pending subscriber suit and notes that Warner Bros. Discovery, also named as a defendant, joins the response.

The move concerns the proposed $110 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, which state AGs, led by California’s Rob Bonta, are seeking to block. They argue the combination would increase pricing power, reduce output and limit consumer choices across theaters, cable and streaming platforms. The states have requested a temporary restraining order and an injunction to keep the merger from closing, which could happen as early as July 22, 2026. Paramount maintains the deal would create a stronger competitor and will vigorously defend the transaction. The related litigation is expected to be overseen by Judge Araceli Martinez‑Olguin, who is already handling the subscriber case.