Live Nation settles deceptive ticket pricing case with $9.9 million payment to Washington D.C.
On Monday, Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb announced that Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, will pay $9.9 million to settle a consumer protection investigation in Washington, D.C., regarding misleading ticket pricing. Of this amount, up to $8.9 million is designated for refunds to customers who were charged deceptive fees between 2015 and May 2025. The inquiry revealed that Live Nation promoted low ticket prices but only revealed additional fees during the checkout process, often employing pressure tactics like countdown timers. As part of the settlement, Live Nation must clearly display total ticket prices, ensure fee transparency, and revise inactivity notifications. This agreement is distinct from a current antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation that may result in the sale of Ticketmaster. Additionally, StubHub has settled with the FTC for $10 million over similar concerns.
Key facts
- Live Nation will pay $9.9 million to Washington, D.C. over deceptive ticket pricing practices
- Up to $8.9 million will be refunded to Washington, D.C. customers who paid deceptive fees
- Deceptive practices spanned from 2015 until May 2025
- Live Nation advertised artificially low prices and disclosed fees only at checkout
- Company used pressure tactics including countdown timers and misleading pop-up alerts
- Settlement requires full price disclosure including all mandatory fees throughout purchase process
- Live Nation has already made platform changes in response to investigation and FTC rules
- Settlement is separate from ongoing antitrust case that could lead to Ticketmaster sale
Entities
Institutions
- Live Nation
- Ticketmaster
- District of Columbia Attorney General's Office
- Federal Trade Commission
- Billboard
- StubHub
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States
Sources
- Quartz —