Paramount Pushes for November Antitrust Trial as States Request April 2027 Date

Paramount Skydance petitioned Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin to schedule its upcoming antitrust trial for November, citing the need to avoid prolonged uncertainty for the creative industry and consumers. A coalition of twelve states, including California and New York, together with the Writers Guild of America, filed a request for an April 2027 trial date to allow additional document production and depositions of Paramount executives.

The case, set for a two- to three-week hearing in federal court in Oakland, will hinge on expert economic analysis. The states allege that the $111 billion merger would diminish competition in basic cable and theatrical distribution, despite prior approval from the Department of Justice and foreign regulators. Paramount has agreed to suspend the transaction until the trial, effectively acknowledging an imminent injunction. The dispute follows a temporary restraining order that halted the deal’s closing for 28 days earlier this month.