A federal judge in California sets the schedule for an antitrust trial tied to Paramount’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin issues a preliminary scheduling order that places the start of the trial in March 2027, later than Paramount had requested. In filings, Paramount sought an earlier trial date, including a November 2026 timeline, in connection with an antitrust lawsuit brought by state attorneys general aimed at blocking the deal. The new order establishes a defined trial window, with the proceedings expected to run for a set number of days as outlined in the scheduling ruling. The judge’s decision adjusts the timetable for the legal challenge and determines when both sides will present arguments on whether the merger should be halted under antitrust laws. The case continues to move through the federal court system while the parties await trial, with the merger facing ongoing scrutiny from the states that filed the lawsuit. The scheduling order is described as a significant shift in timing from the request made by Paramount.