U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín ordered the antitrust trial over the proposed merger of Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery to begin March 2, 2027. The trial will run 12 court days through March 19 in federal court in Oakland, California.
The case was brought by 12 state attorneys general led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The states argue the merger violates antitrust law and would harm competition.
Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery seek to combine their film studios, television networks and streaming services. The companies argue the merger is necessary to compete against larger tech firms dominating the media landscape.
The judge will hear arguments on whether the deal would constitute an illegal monopoly or substantially lessen competition. The combined legal costs of the prolonged process have topped $1 billion, according to estimates.
State attorneys general argue a merged company would reduce consumer choices and drive up prices for streaming services and cable packages. Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery counter that the deal would create a stronger rival to Netflix and Disney, with a larger content library and distribution network.
Bonta has made aggressive antitrust enforcement a priority. His office leads the coalition of states challenging the deal, positioning California as a central enforcer in tech and media regulation.
The March trial will determine whether the proposed merger can proceed or whether the states' competition concerns prevail.
