Live Nation and Ticketmaster Found Guilty of Illegal Monopoly in Landmark Antitrust Case
On April 15, a federal jury in Manhattan ruled that Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster had illegally monopolized the ticketing and amphitheater sectors in the United States following a five-week trial. A coalition comprising 33 states and the District of Columbia initiated the lawsuit after turning down a settlement offered by the DOJ. The jury found that Ticketmaster held monopoly power in primary ticketing, while Live Nation improperly linked artist promotion to amphitheater usage. Consumers faced an overcharge of $1.72 per ticket across 22 states. Live Nation reported revenues of $25.2 billion for 2025 and intends to appeal the decision. Upcoming actions include addressing Live Nation's motions and considering potential remedies, such as separating from Ticketmaster.
Key facts
- A federal jury found Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster guilty of illegal monopolization on April 15.
- The verdict resulted from a five-week trial in Manhattan federal court.
- 33 states and the District of Columbia pursued the case after rejecting a DOJ settlement.
- Consumers were overcharged by $1.72 per ticket across 22 states and D.C.
- Live Nation settled with the DOJ in March 2026, including a $280 million fund and fee caps.
- Six US senators urged rejection of the settlement, citing concerns over its circumstances.
- Live Nation reported $25.2 billion in annual revenue for 2025.
- The next phase involves remedy proposals and potential appeals.
Entities
Institutions
- Live Nation Entertainment
- Ticketmaster
- US Department of Justice
- National Independent Venue Association (NIVA)
- National Independent Talent Organization (NITO)
- DC Circuit Court of Appeals
- US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Locations
- Manhattan
- New York
- United States
- California
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Vermont
- District of Columbia