Twelve US states sue Paramount to block Warner Bros merger

Twelve US states, led by California, have filed a lawsuit to block Paramount's proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery. The states allege the merger would significantly limit competition in the film and cable TV industries, potentially leading to higher prices, reduced content quality, and fewer choices for consumers. They argue the combined entity would control a substantial portion of basic cable TV licensing and theatrical film distribution. The lawsuit, filed on July 13, 2026, seeks to delay the deal until legal proceedings conclude, with concerns also raised by industry figures and potentially UK regulators. Paramount has previously stated that any lawsuit would be politically motivated.

A dozen US state attorneys general, led by California's Rob Bonta, have filed a lawsuit seeking to block the $110 billion merger of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery. Filed in US district court for the northern district of California, the lawsuit argues the merger would harm competition, leading to higher prices for consumers and reduced content quality. The coalition, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington, is asking a judge to halt the deal. This action follows the US Department of Justice's approval of the merger, though it still awaits regulatory clearance in the UK and Europe. Paramount Skydance maintains the merger will enhance competition and stated the lawsuit misapplies antitrust laws, potentially harming entertainment workers.