Federal Jury Finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster Operated Illegal Monopoly in Ticketing Market
A Manhattan federal jury ruled that Live Nation Entertainment and its Ticketmaster subsidiary violated antitrust laws by maintaining a monopoly over major concert venues and ticketing. The verdict followed four days of deliberations in a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and multiple states. Potential remedies include business divestitures and financial penalties.
dailycaller.comS. S. Department of Justice and joined by dozens of states. The jury determined the companies engaged in anticompetitive practices that harmed consumers and competitors. The lawsuit accused Live Nation of using its control over venues, promotions, and ticketing to stifle competition.
S. and controls booking for many others. Ticketmaster, established in 1976 and merged with Live Nation in 2010, holds an 86% share of the concert ticketing market and 73% when including sports events, according to attorneys for the states.
Trial Proceedings and Evidence The six-week trial featured testimony from Live Nation executives and internal communications.
' The case highlighted the 2022 Taylor Swift ticket sales issues, which Live Nation's CEO attributed to a cyberattack. Attorneys for the states argued Live Nation acted as a 'monopolistic bully' by blocking venues from using rival ticket sellers. Live Nation countered that its market position resulted from excellence and that prices are set by artists, teams, and venues.
Story Timeline
7 events- Apr 15, 8:02 PM ET
6 new sources added: Nbc News, @WSJ, CBS News, @AFP, Al Jazeera, Los Angeles Times
6 sourcesNbc News · @WSJ · CBS News - Apr 15, 6:26 PM ET
18 new sources added: Al Jazeera, Npr, CBS News, @AP, @DailyCaller, @MarketWatch, @Forbes, @YahooFinance, BBC News, TechCrunch, The New Yorker, The Hill, Just the News, Forbes, Business Insider, ABC News, OilPrice.com, Rolling Stone
18 sourcesAl Jazeera · Npr · CBS News - April 15, 2026
Manhattan federal jury finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for illegal monopoly after four days of deliberations.
12 sourcesThe Guardian · BBC · NY Post - May 2024
U.S. Department of Justice files antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, alleging anticompetitive practices.
2 sourcesThe Guardian · BBC - Early 2026
Trump administration announces settlement with Live Nation, capping fees but not requiring breakup; over 30 states continue trial.
2 sourcesThe Guardian · NY Post - 2010
Ticketmaster merges with Live Nation, consolidating control over venues and ticketing.
1 sourceThe Guardian - 1990s
Pearl Jam files antitrust complaint against Ticketmaster, which Department of Justice declines to pursue.
1 sourceThe Guardian
Potential Impact
- 01
Live Nation pays damages exceeding $700 million to affected consumers and states.
- 02
Judge orders divestiture of Live Nation venue assets to increase competition.
- 03
Ticket prices for major concerts decrease due to new seller options at venues.
- 04
Competitors like StubHub gain market share in live event ticketing.
- 05
Artists and venues negotiate directly with multiple promoters post-remedies.
- 06
Live Nation appeals verdict, delaying remedies for at least one year.
Transparency Panel
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