Paramount Skydance, WBD settle states’ antitrust suit over merger
PSKY•A federal judge approved a consent decree on Sept. 30, 2026, resolving states’ lawsuit over the WBD merger and modifying an order that had barred closing. The decree sets five-year theatrical release commitments, with potential divestitures or payments for breaches.
1. Merger lawsuit settled
A federal judge entered a multistate consent decree on Sept. 30, 2026, resolving a Clayton Act lawsuit seeking to block the WBD merger. The order modified an existing no-close order, clearing the way for the transaction to close.
2. Release and carriage terms
The decree requires five years of theatrical release commitments, including minimum annual film counts and 45-day windows before streaming availability. Missing annual targets can trigger Miramax divestiture or a $30 million contribution for each film shortfall. The decree also requires separate basic-cable carriage negotiations; an uncured material breach could force divestiture of several cable networks.
