A New York jury found Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, illegally monopolized major parts of the United States live events market.
The entertainment giant, which runs tens of thousands of concerts a year and has been the world’s leading ticket seller since 2010, could face hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties and forced venue divestitures when damages are determined.
Live Nation said the verdict “is not the last word on this matter.”
The lawsuit, brought under the Biden administration after widespread complaints from concertgoers, accused Live Nation of stifling competition by tying venue access to its own ticketing and promotion services and blocking venues from using multiple ticket sellers. Days into the trial the Trump administration proposed a $280 million settlement; some states joined that deal but more than 30 continued the case.
Jurors concluded Live Nation abused its market power in ticketing for more than 200 major venues and dozens of large amphitheaters. New York Attorney General Letitia James said the verdict confirmed the companies were breaking the law and costing consumers millions. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called it “a historic and resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them” and said Live Nation overcharged consumers from May 2020 through 2024.
Penalties have not yet been set; states are expected to seek damages and could push for a forced sale of Ticketmaster. Live Nation said potential damages are under $350 million and that the outcome would not differ materially from a March settlement with the Justice Department, which required opening Ticketmaster’s platform to competitors and allowing other promoters at certain Live Nation venues.
The US Federal Trade Commission has a separate case alleging deceptive ticket resale practices.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse