Live Nation and Ticketmaster found liable in landmark monopoly ruling

A U.S. federal jury has found Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster liable for illegally maintaining monopoly power in the U.S. ticketing market.

The ruling marks a major development in one of the most closely watched antitrust cases in the entertainment industry, according to reporting by NBC News.

The verdict was delivered in Manhattan federal court after approximately five weeks of testimony involving dozens of witnesses. Jurors concluded that the companies engaged in anticompetitive practices that allegedly harmed both consumers and artists by reducing competition and increasing ticket fees.

The lawsuit, initially filed in 2024 by the U.S. Department of Justice alongside multiple state attorneys general, accused Live Nation and Ticketmaster of consolidating control across concert promotion, venue operations, and ticket distribution. Prosecutors argued this dominance led to higher prices for fans and limited options for performers and venues.

Live Nation has consistently denied the allegations, arguing that it operates in a competitive market and does not meet the legal definition of a monopoly. The company maintained that its business practices are standard within the live entertainment industry and that its scale allows it to deliver large-scale touring opportunities.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the jury’s decision as a “historic and resounding victory” for consumers and artists. However, legal experts note that remedies and damages will be determined in a separate phase overseen by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian.

The ruling could have wide-reaching implications for the live events industry, particularly regarding ticket pricing, venue contracts, and competition in the concert promotion sector.