A federal judge has refused to temporarily block Paramount’s proposed $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery in a consumer lawsuit. The decision matters because it allows the deal to continue progressing while the court considers whether the subscribers’ wider legal challenge should be dismissed.

Five pay-TV and streaming subscribers argued that the merger could raise prices and reduce diversity of viewpoints, citing a previous Paramount+ price rise after Skydance acquired Paramount. Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín said they had not provided evidence showing a likely legal victory or irreparable harm, and also rejected their request for expedited access to merger documents. A separate antitrust case brought by California and 11 other states was due to be heard later that week.