A coalition of 12 states, including California, has filed a lawsuit challenging the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, according to CNBC reporting.
Key facts
- A group of 12 states filed a lawsuit to block the Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
- California is among the states named in the legal challenge.
- The action was reported by CNBC, with David Faber initially reporting that multiple state attorneys general were expected to sue.
- The lawsuit was reported on July 13, 2026.
A group of 12 states, including California, has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, according to CNBC.
Earlier in the day, CNBC’s David Faber reported that multiple state attorneys general were expected to file a lawsuit challenging the deal. That expectation was borne out later on July 13, when CNBC reported that the group of states had formally filed suit to block the transaction.
CNBC identified California as among the states participating in the legal challenge, describing the plaintiffs as a group of 12 states.
The reporting indicates the states are seeking to prevent the merger from proceeding, though the specific legal arguments made in the filing were not detailed in the sources available.
The lawsuit marks a significant hurdle for the proposed combination of two major players in the entertainment industry. Beyond confirming the number of states involved and California’s participation, the sources did not provide further details about the timing of any court proceedings or the companies’ response.
Why it matters
A merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery would reshape a large portion of the entertainment and media landscape. A legal challenge from a dozen states could delay or derail the deal, with potential consequences for consumers, competitors and the broader market.
Frequently asked questions
Which states filed the lawsuit against the Paramount-WBD merger?
According to CNBC, a group of 12 states filed the lawsuit, including California. The full list of states was not specified in the available reporting.
What is the lawsuit trying to do?
CNBC reports that the states filed the lawsuit to block the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Who first reported the expected legal challenge?
CNBC's David Faber reported that multiple state attorneys general were expected to file a lawsuit challenging the merger, ahead of the filing being confirmed later that day.