Sony Wins Control Over Jeopardy! and Wheel Rights

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile has issued a ruling allowing Sony Pictures Television to take over global distribution of the popular game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, marking a significant setback for CBS. The court found that Sony had the right to terminate the existing distribution agreements due to CBS's alleged failure to maximize advertising revenue and licensing at below-market rates. CBS plans to appeal the preliminary ruling, arguing that the decision was based on partial evidence and that the balance of harm favors CBS. Sony, which produces the shows, accused CBS of breaching contractual obligations by bundling the shows with less popular content and failing to secure top dollar in syndication deals. The case continues to unfold as CBS seeks a stay pending appeal, attempting to maintain its long-standing distribution role in a partnership dating back to the early 1980s. The dispute underscores the high stakes in the multi-billion-dollar distribution rights for these iconic shows.