A Delaware judge ruled that Paramount Global’s $8 billion merger with Skydance Media can move forward — but still left the door open for a last-minute, rival bid that insiders say could derail the deal.

McCormick granted a motion to expedite the proceedings, even though it’s unclear when the Skydance-Paramount will get the regulatory greenlight. It is currently before the FCC, on day 111 of a 180-day “shot clock” for agency review, although that timeline is not set in stone.

A judge on Thursday declined to issue a restraining order to block the Paramount-Skydance merger, but agreed to accelerate an investor lawsuit.