A federal jury has delivered a major blow to Live Nation and its ticketing arm Ticketmaster. On April 15, jurors in Manhattan found that the companies illegally maintained monopoly power in the U.S. ticketing market following a five-week antitrust trial.
The verdict marks a pivotal moment in a case first brought in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Justice alongside dozens of state attorneys general. Prosecutors argued that Live Nation leveraged its control across ticketing, promotion, and venue operations to stifle competition, leading to higher fees for fans and fewer touring options for artists. As reported by NBC News, testimony from dozens of witnesses shaped the proceedings before deliberations began last Friday.
State officials framed the outcome as a win for the broader music ecosystem. California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the decision “a historic and resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them,” pointing to long-standing concerns about pricing and access. Evidence presented during the trial suggested Ticketmaster controls roughly 86% of ticketing at major U.S. concert venues.
Live Nation has consistently rejected those claims. Attorneys for the company argued that the market definition was too narrow, placing their share closer to 44% when including a broader mix of venues such as stadiums and sports arenas. Defense lawyers also emphasized that scale alone does not violate antitrust law, positioning the company as a “fierce competitor” rather than a monopolistic force.
Attention now shifts to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who will determine remedies and potential damages in the coming months. Outcomes could range from operational restrictions to more sweeping structural changes, depending on how the court interprets the jury’s findings.
photos: Ticketmaster/Live Nation
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