David Ellison Optimistic About WBD Merger Amid Legal Hurdles

WHO:

Deadline - David Ellison is the CEO of Paramount Skydance.

Variety - David Ellison is the CEO of Paramount.

WHAT:

Deadline - David Ellison expressed confidence that the merger with Warner Bros. Discovery will be completed.

Variety - The merger deal is valued at $111 billion.

Variety - Paramount disclosed an agreement to put the WBD deal on hold for at least several months.

WHERE:

Variety - The merger involves Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.

WHEN:

Variety - The merger deal is expected to cross the finish line eventually, but no specific future date is provided.

WHY:

Deadline - Ellison stated that he believes the merger does not pose any legal issues.

Variety - The delay is due to a lawsuit from state attorneys general.

HOW:

Deadline - Ellison thanked staff for their patience and commitment during the uncertainty surrounding the merger.

Variety - Ellison mentioned that "the facts and the law are on our side" regarding the merger.

(UPDATED July 27, 2026 17:34 UTC)

David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount, expressed confidence that the merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, valued at $111 billion, will eventually be completed, despite a current hold on the deal due to a lawsuit from state attorneys general. Ellison reassured staff about the situation, thanking them for their patience and commitment during this uncertain time, while emphasizing that "the facts and the law are on our side." Although no specific future date has been provided for when the merger will finalize, Ellison believes there are no legal issues hindering the process.