Department Of Justice Approves Paramount Acquiring WBD

The Department of Justice has approved the Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD).

There were antitrust concerns over the deal, and it could still face legal challenges from state attorneys general. The deal is valued at roughly $110 billion and is on track to be completed in September.

The proposed merger has already received WBD shareholder approval.

According to Politico, “After an extensive review, DOJ officials determined the transaction did not pose a threat to competition and declined to challenge it, said the people, who were granted anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. The department approved the merger without requiring any divestitures, behavioral remedies or concessions, according to one of the people.”

All Elite Wrestling has a media rights deal with WBD through the end of 2027, with an option for 2028. Once the deal goes through, it is expected that Paramount streaming service Paramount+ and WBD service HBO Max will combine into one streaming platform.

AEW television and pay-per-views stream on HBO Max, though it’s too early to know where AEW will land once the deal officially goes through and things are settled.