Federal jury finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster illegally monopolized ticketing industry

A federal jury has concluded that Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster unlawfully maintained monopoly power in the ticketing business, capping off a closely watched antitrust trial that spanned several weeks and involved testimony from numerous witnesses.

The lawsuit itself traces back to earlier claims that Live Nation’s dominance harmed fans, artists, and venues alike. Although parts of the case were narrowed before trial, key issues—particularly around ticketing and major concert venues—remained central. The case, brought by the U.S. Department of Justice along with dozens of states, centered on allegations that the company controlled key parts of the live entertainment ecosystem, including ticket sales, concert promotion, and major venues. Jurors ultimately agreed that this level of control crossed legal boundaries.

State attorneys argued that the company’s dominance led to higher fees for fans, limited touring options for artists, and pressure on venues to stick with Ticketmaster. They also pointed to Ticketmaster’s commanding presence in the market, claiming it handled the vast majority of ticketing for large concert venues and accusing the company of reinforcing its position through long-term exclusive deals and tactics that discouraged venues from working with competitors. During closing arguments, attorney Jeffrey Kessler urged jurors to rely on practical judgment, telling them, “You’re New Yorkers. I trust that you know when someone is blowing smoke or being straight with you. Apply your common sense. It’s time to hold them accountable.”

Live Nation pushed back, arguing that its scale reflects decades of growth and competition rather than illegal conduct. Attorney David Marriott acknowledged the company’s size but maintained that success alone does not violate antitrust laws. “We are the biggest entertainment company and ticketer in the country. We’re not hiding from that fact,” he said, adding that being large is not unlawful and insisting the states failed to prove monopolistic behavior.

The verdict lands amid an unusual backdrop: a separate settlement reached between Live Nation and the Justice Department just weeks earlier. That agreement required the company to make changes such as limiting certain fees, loosening exclusive ticketing arrangements, and selling off a number of amphitheaters. It also included a substantial financial penalty. While federal officials said the deal would expand competition and lower costs, many state attorneys general declined to join it and continued pursuing their own case.

With the jury now siding with the states, the decision marks a significant challenge to Live Nation’s business practices and raises the possibility of further changes to how concerts are promoted, ticketed, and experienced across the country.

Editorial credit: Piotr Swat / Shutterstock.com