Jeffrey Kessler

A revised Senate bill, the Protect College Sports Act, proposes a $25 million retention pool for college athletes, added to existing $21.3 million in allowable spending, aiming to secure support from the Big Ten and SEC. The bill includes $5 million for women’s sports and seeks to address revenue-sharing and NIL compensation complexities, though uncertainties remain about its impact on costs and legal frameworks.

Paramount Skydance agreed to delay its $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery until June 2027 or after a trial, despite a lawsuit from 12 states alleging anticompetitive practices. The delay involves a 'ticking fee' of $7 million daily, which Paramount's financial backers, including CEO David Ellison and his father Larry Ellison, are positioned to absorb due to the deal's scale.

A federal judge is considering whether to block the $110 billion merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. due to antitrust concerns. Twelve states argue the merger violates the Clayton Antitrust Act, claiming it would reduce competition in the film and cable industries, while Paramount's attorneys counter that the states' evidence is insufficient and the market is expanding with new competitors.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other attorneys general filed a lawsuit against Paramount, arguing a merger with Warner Bros. Discovery would harm competition in three markets. Paramount plans to challenge the lawsuit's definitions and claims cable TV competition remains strong, while CEO David Ellison may relocate operations if the deal is blocked. The merger's closure has been delayed, with financial penalties for further delays.

Paramount is preparing to acquire Warner Bros. and has hired attorney Jeffrey Kessler to address potential antitrust legal challenges. The move highlights concerns over regulatory hurdles in the proposed merger.

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby faces NCAA eligibility issues due to alleged sports betting, with high-profile attorney Jeffrey Kessler representing him. The case could determine Sorsby's 2026 season eligibility and set a precedent for athlete gambling disputes. Kessler, known for Tom Brady's Deflategate defense and the House v. NCAA case, may challenge NCAA rules in court.

A jury ruled that Live Nation and Ticketmaster held an anticompetitive monopoly over major concert venues, leading to a loss for the companies in a multi-state lawsuit. The verdict follows a four-day trial where states accused Live Nation of stifling competition and inflating ticket prices.