Jury finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster operated as illegal, anticompetitive monopoly

The verdict, reached on Wednesday, could cost Live Nation and Ticketmaster hundreds of millions of dollars. In addition to financial penalties, the verdict could open the door for potential sanctions, including court-ordered measures that could force Live Nation to divest venues that it owns.

“It’s a great day for antitrust law,” said Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney for the states, according to the Associated Press. “It’s a great day for consumers. This case is a tribute to the 34 states and the District of Columbia who carried this case forward and it was my great honor to be working with them together on this."

The initial complaint was brought in 2024 by the Justice Department and dozens of state attorneys general and claimed that Live Nation monopolized the industry by controlling all aspects, including ticketing, promotions, booking, and venues. The complaint also claimed that the company engaged in “anticompetitive conduct” that left fans paying higher fees and artists having fewer touring options.

The jury deliberated for four days and found that Ticketmaster overcharged concertgoers by $1.72 per ticket at “major concert venues” in the plaintiff state from May 2020 to 2024. US District Judge Arun Subramanian will schedule proceedings to determine penalties and the total amount in damages.

“Live Nation has raked in billions in profits from an illegal monopoly that coerces venues, restricts artists, and exploits fans,” said DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb. “DC and a bipartisan coalition of 33 states refused to join DOJ's settlement because it failed to hold Live Nation accountable. Now, a jury has declared Live Nation to be an illegal monopoly — and awarded damages for years of exploitation. This is a massive win in the fight for fairness for local venues, artists, and fans.”

https://twitter.com/DCAttorneyGen/status/2044495870800924957?s=20

Live Nation merged with Ticketmaster in 2010. Following the verdict, the company reiterated its belief that it does not have a monopoly and issued a statement saying, "The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter. Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand." It also said that it plans to "renew its motion for judgment as a matter of law, which the Court deferred until after the jury returned its verdict. That motion addresses all liability theories. The Court previously noted that Live Nation’s motion raises serious issues."

"There is also a pending motion to strike the damages testimony on which the jury’s award was based," the company added. "The Court deferred ruling on that motion as well, while noting significant concerns with the damages expert’s analysis."