Tennessee Invites Paramount to Relocate Headquarters Amid California Dispute
Tennessee's deputy governor sent a letter to Paramount CEO David Ellison proposing the studio move its corporate headquarters to the state as California prepares legal action over a proposed $111 billion acquisition.
Tennessee Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter wrote to Paramount chief executive David Ellison on July 2, urging the studio to consider moving its corporate headquarters to the state. The letter highlighted Tennessee’s low taxes, fiscal discipline and a government approach that it says partners with private-sector growth, and offered the state’s support for Paramount’s future development.
The outreach comes as California officials prepare a lawsuit intended to block Paramount’s planned $111 billion purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount had earlier offered to produce 30 films annually with a 45-day theatrical window, a proposal that was rejected.
Paramount has several productions currently filming in Tennessee, including "Matlock," "NCIS" and "Tracker," and the company’s total spending is about $30 billion. A spokesperson for Paramount confirmed the letter’s authenticity but declined further comment.
If the move were to occur, Paramount would join other major firms such as FedEx, HCA Healthcare and AutoZone that already operate in Tennessee. The invitation also noted the state’s growing technology and creative sectors and its efforts to develop talent.
David Ellison has personal ties to Tennessee, having lived there intermittently for 11 years and maintaining family connections. His father’s company, Oracle, is planning a large campus in Nashville, and co-CEO Clay Magouyrk resides in the state. Warner Bros. Discovery previously maintained a sizable office in Knoxville before selling the property in 2023.
On Monday, a coalition of twelve state attorneys general led by California filed a suit to stop the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.