Power Plays and Payouts: Hollywood’s Legal Tug-of-War

This week, two legal showdowns are sending ripples through the entertainment industry. Paramount is escalating its takeover efforts by suing Warner Bros. Discovery for more transparency in its Netflix deal. Meanwhile, CAA just lost a critical arbitration battle to the ex-agents who founded Range Media — a setback that could undermine its broader case.

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ChaseLawyers Newsletter
January 13, 2026

Hi there,

This week’s stories spotlight two power plays with big implications for media ownership and talent rights.

First, Paramount is going all-in to stop Warner Bros. from closing a massive deal with Netflix. They’ve sued for financial transparency and are preparing to nominate a new board — all while sticking to their own cash bid.

And in a high-stakes agency feud, CAA lost a key arbitration battle to the ex-employees who launched Range Media. The panel sided with the Range founders on equity disputes — and undercut CAA’s claims about trade secrets and loyalty in the process.

Paramount Escalates Fight Over Warner Bros.–Netflix Deal

Paramount has filed a lawsuit in Delaware demanding Warner Bros. Discovery disclose key financial details about its planned $83 billion sale to Netflix. The suit claims shareholders aren’t getting enough information to make an informed decision.

CEO David Ellison says the Netflix deal undervalues Warner Bros. and hides crucial risks, including debt transfers. He’s also pushing a board overhaul and plans to bring the fight directly to shareholders at the next vote.

CAA Loses Equity Dispute With Range Media Founders

An arbitrator ruled that CAA wrongfully canceled the equity stakes of several agents who left to start Range Media, awarding them what could be tens of millions. The panel also rejected CAA’s claims of disloyalty and trade secret theft.

The decision deals a blow to CAA’s lawsuit against Range and raises questions about the enforceability of noncompete tactics. The two sides are still locked in a broader legal battle set for trial later this year.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

David Ellison Takes Warner Bros. to Court as Paramount Launches Proxy Battle Over Netflix Bid

David Ellison’s Paramount is taking Warner Bros. Discovery to court, claiming shareholders aren’t getting the full financial picture on the $83B Netflix deal. A boardroom battle — and maybe a courtroom one — is just getting started.

CAA Loses Arbitration Over Equity Payouts for Ex-Employees Who Founded Range

The agency lost a major ruling over equity payouts to the founders of Range Media. The decision could weaken CAA’s lawsuit and send shockwaves through Hollywood talent negotiations.

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