Settlement Discussions Scheduled in Paramount-wbd Antitrust Dispute

WHO:

Deadline - Paramount, Warner Bros. Discovery, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Justice Department

The Hollywood Reporter - A dozen states led by California

WHAT:

Deadline - A judge ordered Paramount and the state attorneys general to appear for a two-day settlement conference.

Deadline - The settlement conference is scheduled for October 14-15.

The Hollywood Reporter - The Justice Department urged a federal judge to require the states to post a $1.88 billion bond.

The Hollywood Reporter - Paramount is seeking a bond to cover losses if it wins the cases over the merger, which has been temporarily halted.

The Hollywood Reporter - The merger is valued at $111 billion.

The Hollywood Reporter - Warners shareholders are owed approximately $650 million per quarter or $6.9 million per day if the merger has not closed by October 1.

WHERE:

Deadline - San Francisco courtroom

WHEN:

Deadline - The trial is scheduled for early March.

The Hollywood Reporter - The bond is being sought to cover losses if the merger is not completed by October 1.

WHY:

The Hollywood Reporter - The Justice Department argues that the bond requirement ensures parties have "skin in the game."

The Hollywood Reporter - Paramount emphasized losses due to the court's delay in the merger, including missed investment opportunities and rising financing costs.

HOW:

The Hollywood Reporter - The Justice Department reviewed over 2 million documents and extensive data related to streaming, linear TV, and film production and distribution during its investigation.

The Hollywood Reporter - Paramount has pushed back against the states' argument regarding the bond, calling it disingenuous.

(UPDATED September 16, 2026 02:00 UTC)

A judge has ordered Paramount and state attorneys general to appear for a two-day settlement conference in a San Francisco courtroom, scheduled for October 14-15. The Justice Department is urging a federal judge to require the states to post a $1.88 billion bond, which Paramount is seeking to cover potential losses if the merger, valued at $111 billion and currently on hold, is not completed by October 1. Paramount has argued against the bond requirement, claiming it is disingenuous and highlighting the financial losses incurred due to the court's delay, including missed investment opportunities and increased financing costs.