Paramount’s $111 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery cleared by the Justice Department last Friday removes the last federal hurdle, setting the stage for a media juggernaut that will own two film studios, two streaming services and major news outlets. The deal is a milestone for CEO David Ellison, who will command a new media empire.

On Sunday, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will stage a bout on the White House South Lawn, a birthday celebration for President Trump’s 80th. Ellison, who owns the UFC broadcasting rights, will host the event. Viewers must subscribe to Paramount+, the platform he controls, to watch the seven marquee fights during the week’s televised coverage.

The merger has sparked concern from Democratic lawmakers and industry voices who warn it could stifle competition and limit consumer choices. Yet the deal aligns with Ellison’s strategy to consolidate content under a single umbrella, leveraging UFC rights and Paramount+ to drive subscriber growth and advertising revenue across its expanded portfolio in the coming year.

Ellison’s partnership with Trump extends beyond the UFC. Months of meetings culminated in a private dinner for the president at the U.S. Institute of Peace, where senior cabinet officials attended. The event underscored the strategic alliance that helped secure regulatory approval, illustrating how high‑profile lobbying can shape major media consolidations for stakeholders across the industry.