Sony Pictures Television and CBS Media Ventures have reached a new settlement that reshapes how Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune will be distributed in the coming years. The agreement comes after months of legal conflict between the two companies over distribution rights for the two long-running and highly popular game shows. This settlement outlines a phased approach, where Sony will gradually assume responsibility for certain aspects of the shows’ distribution and management, both domestically and internationally.
Under the terms of the settlement, Sony will take over international distribution of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune starting December 1, 2025. This means that stations and broadcasters outside the United States will work directly with Sony for distribution agreements. However, in the United States, CBS will continue to distribute both shows through the 2027–28 television season. Once that period ends, Sony will officially take over domestic distribution as well, becoming the primary distributor across all markets.
Along with changes in distribution, the settlement also adjusts several business responsibilities tied to the shows. Marketing, promotions, and affiliate relations will transition to Sony at the end of the 2025–26 season. This shift will allow Sony to take a more centralized role in shaping the brand identity and promotional campaigns for both game shows. At the same time, CBS Media Ventures will expand its involvement in advertising sales, exclusively managing all ad sales connected to the shows through the 2029–30 season. Meanwhile, Sony will continue to oversee brand integrations to ensure consistency across sponsorships.
Both companies released a joint statement expressing positivity and cooperation regarding the settlement. They stated that they were pleased to have reached an amicable resolution and emphasized their shared interest in continuing to deliver the shows to audiences and broadcast stations worldwide. Despite the disputes that led to this resolution, the statement highlighted a forward-looking perspective where both companies will continue collaborating during the transition.
The legal conflict began in October 2024 when Sony filed a lawsuit claiming that CBS Media Ventures had breached the terms of their distribution agreement. Sony alleged that CBS failed to uphold parts of their domestic distribution obligations and also entered into international licensing deals without authorization. CBS countersued shortly afterward, arguing that Sony was attempting to exit the long-standing contract and take greater control earlier than agreed.
The situation escalated further when Sony formally notified CBS of its intent to assume syndication control. CBS sought a temporary restraining order, but after initial court rulings and appeals, both companies ultimately negotiated this settlement. CBS Media Ventures has since informed its domestic and international partners of the transition timeline, ensuring that stations and audiences continue to receive Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune without disruption.
