By Brian Stelter, CNN(CNN) — A federal judge has set a March 2027 trial date for the antitrust challenges to Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. The trial timeline is another setback for Paramount, which had wanted to complete the merger this summer. After Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín issued a temporary restraining order pausing the deal, Paramount agreed to stand still until a ruling after trial or until June 2027, whichever comes first. A March trial date means Paramount will owe well over $1 billion in so-called “ticking fees” before the judge ever rules. The trial date announcement does not preclude the possibility of a settlement, though there are no indications that the parties are currently discussing one.