ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Live Nation and Ticketmaster Found Guilty of Illegal Monopoly in Music Industry

other · 2026-04-16

A jury in New York has ruled that Live Nation and Ticketmaster engaged in unlawful monopolistic practices within the music sector, a decision that could lead to damages in the hundreds of millions and their potential dissolution. California Attorney General Rob Bonta hailed this as a landmark win. The lawsuit originated from the 2010 merger sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Justice, which the jury determined breached its stipulations. Following public backlash from Taylor Swift's 2022 "Eras" tour presale, the Justice Department, along with several states, initiated legal action in 2024. While Live Nation agreed to a $280 million settlement, California pursued the case further. The jury calculated an average overcharge of $1.72 per ticket, with damages possibly totaling $350 million across 257 venues. Live Nation intends to appeal.

Key facts

  • Live Nation and Ticketmaster were found guilty of illegal monopoly by a New York jury.
  • The verdict could result in hundreds of millions in damages and potential breakup of the companies.
  • The case stems from the 2010 merger approved with conditions that were violated.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in 2024 supported by multiple states.
  • The chaotic presale for Taylor Swift's 2022 "Eras" tour escalated public scrutiny.
  • Live Nation settled out-of-court with the Justice Department in March 2024, promising contract changes and up to $280 million.
  • California and other states continued the case, leading to the guilty verdict.
  • Live Nation has a Swiss office in Zurich and stakes in Mainland Music AG, organizing festivals like Open Air Frauenfeld.

Entities

Artists

  • Taylor Swift

Institutions

  • Live Nation
  • Ticketmaster
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • New York Times
  • Mainland Music AG
  • Open Air Frauenfeld
  • Gurtenfestival
  • Live Nation Entertainment
  • Justice Department
  • U.S. government
  • Biden administration

Locations

  • New York
  • California
  • United States
  • Zurich
  • Switzerland
  • Beverly Hills
  • Italy

Sources