DOJ and State Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation

Live UpdatesLast updated JUN 14
SUMMARY

A Manhattan jury found Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster guilty of operating as an illegal monopoly in the live entertainment industry on April 17, 2026, determining concertgoers paid an average of $1.72 more per ticket due to monopolistic practices. As of June 14, 2026, Live Nation is seeking a new trial, arguing prejudicial evidence was allowed, while a coalition of 34 attorneys general and over 30 states are urging a federal judge to order the breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, including divestiture of Ticketmaster and certain owned amphitheaters. Residents in Cleveland are also raising concerns about a proposed Live Nation amphitheater, fearing predatory market behavior. This follows a March 9, 2026, settlement between Live Nation and the U.S. Department of Justice for $200 million to $280 million in penalties, which states found insufficient.

Timeline

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June 2026 — 2 developments

  1. Residents in Cleveland are raising concerns about a proposed Live Nation amphitheater, fearing predatory market behavior and retaliation against independent venues.

    Residents in Cleveland are raising concerns about a proposed Live Nation amphitheater, fearing predatory market behavior and retaliation against independent venues. This development follows a recent Manhattan jury verdict finding Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for illegally monopolizing the live events market.

  2. Some Department of Justice antitrust lawyers privately criticized the government's settlement with Live Nation as insufficient.

    Some Department of Justice antitrust lawyers privately criticized the government's settlement with Live Nation as insufficient. A coalition of 34 attorneys general filed their remedies proposal seeking the divestiture of Ticketmaster and certain owned amphitheaters.

May 2026 — 2 developments

  1. Live Nation is seeking a new trial following a jury's finding of monopolistic practices, arguing that prejudicial evidence was allowed during the original trial.

    Live Nation is seeking a new trial following a jury's finding of monopolistic practices, arguing that prejudicial evidence was allowed during the original trial. The company contends the jury's verdict does not support the states' request for divestiture of Ticketmaster. Over 30 states are urging a federal judge to order the breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

  2. A coalition of over 30 states is urging a federal judge to order the breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster following a jury verdict finding them guilty of illegal monopolization.

    A coalition of over 30 states is urging a federal judge to order the breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster following a jury verdict finding them guilty of illegal monopolization. The states' proposal includes demands for Live Nation to divest Ticketmaster, limitations on re-entering the primary ticketing market, and the divestiture of some Live Nation-owned large amphitheaters.

April 2026 — 3 developments

  1. A federal jury has found Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for illegally monopolizing the live event ticketing market.

    A federal jury has found Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for illegally monopolizing the live event ticketing market. The jury determined that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintained a monopoly in the market for ticketing services at major concert venues, while Live Nation monopolized the market for large amphitheaters. This verdict follows a six-week trial and four days of deliberations.

  2. A Manhattan jury found Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster guilty of operating as an illegal monopoly in the live entertainment industry.

    A Manhattan jury found Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster guilty of operating as an illegal monopoly in the live entertainment industry. Jurors determined that concertgoers paid an average of $1.72 more per ticket due to Live Nation's monopolistic practices. Live Nation has stated that it will appeal the jury's decision.

  3. Closing arguments in the states' antitrust case against Live Nation were presented on April 9, 2026, with a jury beginning deliberations thereafter.

    Closing arguments in the states' antitrust case against Live Nation were presented on April 9, 2026, with a jury beginning deliberations thereafter. This follows a settlement reached on March 9, 2026, between Live Nation and the U.S. Department of Justice, which includes significant business concessions such as limits on long-term exclusivity contracts and allowing venues to allocate tickets to competing platforms. Live Nation will also pay between $200 million and $280 million in penalties.

March 2026 — 6 developments

  1. A coalition of 33 states presented a counterproposal for a settlement to Live Nation on March 20, 2026, which the company is currently reviewing.

    A coalition of 33 states presented a counterproposal for a settlement to Live Nation on March 20, 2026, which the company is currently reviewing. The states argue the DOJ settlement does not adequately address the monopoly and would benefit Live Nation at the expense of consumers. This follows the DOJ's March 9, 2026, settlement.

  2. Live Nation executives have begun testifying in the antitrust trial, denying allegations that the company leverages its market power to influence performer venue choices.

    Live Nation executives have begun testifying in the antitrust trial, denying allegations that the company leverages its market power to influence performer venue choices. This testimony occurs as over 30 states continue their trial, having rejected the DOJ's tentative settlement terms.

  3. Over 30 states are continuing their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster after rejecting a tentative settlement with the U.

    Over 30 states are continuing their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster after rejecting a tentative settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ had reached a settlement on March 9, 2026, for $280 million and the divestment of 13 amphitheaters, but states found it insufficient. The trial resumed on March 16, 2026, with these states pursuing their case.

  4. Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster have reached a tentative settlement with the U.

    Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster have reached a tentative settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in an antitrust lawsuit accusing the company of monopolizing the live entertainment industry. The proposed settlement includes a $280 million payment in civil penalties to states that joined the suit, and Ticketmaster will be required to open its platform to rival ticketing companies.

  5. The antitrust trial against Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster has commenced, with jury selection beginning on March 2, 2026, in the U.

    The antitrust trial against Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster has commenced, with jury selection beginning on March 2, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The Department of Justice, joined by numerous states, accuses Live Nation of illegally monopolizing the live events market. The lawsuit, filed in May 2024, seeks to break up the companies, alleging they leverage their dominance to coerce venues into exclusive contracts with Ticketmaster and pressure artists.

  6. Live Nation Entertainment is facing a jury trial in New York City federal court over claims that it …

    Live Nation Entertainment is facing a jury trial in New York City federal court over claims that it illegally monopolizes the live music industry and should divest its Ticketmaster unit. Jury selection is scheduled to begin March 3, 2026, with the trial expected to last five to six weeks. Potential witnesses include artists and industry executives.

February 2026 — 7 developments

  1. Live Nation's shares dropped 9% in after-hours trading following reports of failed settlement negotiations in the DOJ's antitrust lawsuit.

    Live Nation's shares dropped 9% in after-hours trading following reports of failed settlement negotiations in the DOJ's antitrust lawsuit. The company faces a trial set to begin March 2, 2026, after attempts to settle the federal case were unsuccessful.

  2. A federal judge has denied Live Nation Entertainment's motion to dismiss the antitrust lawsuit brought by the U.

    A federal judge has denied Live Nation Entertainment's motion to dismiss the antitrust lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, 39 states, and Washington D.C. The judge ruled that there is a genuine dispute of material fact, clearing the way for a possible antitrust trial in Manhattan federal court. Jury selection is still scheduled for March 2, 2026.

  3. The Department of Justice is opposing Live Nation's request to delay the upcoming antitrust trial, labeling it a "desperate plea.

    The Department of Justice is opposing Live Nation's request to delay the upcoming antitrust trial, labeling it a "desperate plea." A federal judge indicated he will likely deny the company's motion to postpone the proceedings to appeal a recent ruling, with jury selection still scheduled for March 2, 2026.

  4. A federal judge has advanced the Justice Department's antitrust suit against Live Nation and Ticketm…

    A federal judge has advanced the Justice Department's antitrust suit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster to a trial, upholding key claims related to market dominance and "artist-facing" behaviors while dismissing others. Following the ruling, Live Nation is publicly urging the DOJ to settle the case, with EVP Dan Wall stating that the remaining claims do not support a breakup of the company. The trial is scheduled to begin on March 2.

  5. Live Nation executives and lobbyists are reportedly lobbying U.

    Live Nation executives and lobbyists are reportedly lobbying U.S. Department of Justice officials outside the antitrust division in an attempt to settle the ongoing antitrust lawsuit. This lobbying effort has led to an outcry, and comes as the top DOJ antitrust official has resigned amid disputes over mergers and the Live Nation case.

  6. Live Nation is reportedly in discussions with the U.

    Live Nation is reportedly in discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice to avoid an antitrust trial. Executives and lobbyists are seeking a resolution to the accusations of maintaining an unlawful monopoly and prevent further legal proceedings.

  7. A Portland committee has advanced a proposal that could prevent Live Nation from constructing a new concert hall.

    A Portland committee has advanced a proposal that could prevent Live Nation from constructing a new concert hall. This action is based on concerns regarding the company's market dominance and the ongoing federal antitrust lawsuits it faces. The proposal's advancement reflects local government engagement with the broader scrutiny of Live Nation's business practices.

January 2026 — 8 developments

  1. Independent music advocates are urging Congress to take action against Ticketmaster and Live Nation, citing monopolistic practices and astronomical ticket prices.

    Independent music advocates are urging Congress to take action against Ticketmaster and Live Nation, citing monopolistic practices and astronomical ticket prices. This adds a new dimension of public pressure to the ongoing legal and legislative scrutiny.

  3. A U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing titled “Fees Rolled on All Summer Long: Examining the Live Entert…

    A U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing titled “Fees Rolled on All Summer Long: Examining the Live Entertainment Industry” is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, to investigate ticketing practices, including service fees and the use of bots.

  4. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also filed a lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, alleging monopolistic practices.

    The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also filed a lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, alleging monopolistic practices. This adds the FTC as another key player in the legal action alongside the Department of Justice and state attorneys general.

  5. Live Nation is seeking to dismiss the antitrust lawsuit, arguing the DOJ lacks sufficient evidence of harm and that the company operates in a competitive market.

    Live Nation is seeking to dismiss the antitrust lawsuit, arguing the DOJ lacks sufficient evidence of harm and that the company operates in a competitive market. The lawsuit further alleges Live Nation's dominance leads to opaque ticket holdbacks and artificial scarcity.

  7. A federal judge ruled that the antitrust lawsuit filed by Taylor Swift fans against Live Nation and Ticketmaster can proceed.

    A federal judge ruled that the antitrust lawsuit filed by Taylor Swift fans against Live Nation and Ticketmaster can proceed. A federal judge in California ruled that Live Nation and Ticketmaster must face a class action lawsuit on behalf of millions of Americans who allege they were overcharged for events at major concert venues.

  8. The Justice Department and Live Nation are clashing in court over allegations of an illegal monopoly…

    The Justice Department and Live Nation are clashing in court over allegations of an illegal monopoly, with the government claiming Live Nation withheld concerts from venues not using Ticketmaster, a claim Live Nation disputes. Additionally, DOJ staff previously advised against filing criminal antitrust charges against Live Nation and its CEO for potential Covid-era collusion.

May 2025 — 2 developments

April 2025 — 1 developments

May 2024 — 1 developments

  1. The U.S. Department of Justice, along with 30 state and district attorneys general, filed a civil an…

    The U.S. Department of Justice, along with 30 state and district attorneys general, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster. The lawsuit alleges monopolization and other unlawful conduct in the live entertainment industry, seeking to restore competition and provide better choices and prices for fans.

November 2022 — 1 developments

  1. The public outcry over the disastrous ticket sales for Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' brought renewed sc…

    The public outcry over the disastrous ticket sales for Taylor Swift's 'Eras Tour' brought renewed scrutiny to Ticketmaster's practices and significantly fueled calls for antitrust action against Live Nation.

January 2020 — 1 developments

  1. The Department of Justice extended the conditions placed on the Live Nation-Ticketmaster merger for …

    The Department of Justice extended the conditions placed on the Live Nation-Ticketmaster merger for an additional five years, pushing their expiration to 2025, due to ongoing concerns about competition.

January 2010 — 1 developments