Closing Arguments Wrap Up in Live Nation Antitrust Trial

Closing arguments were delivered today in the federal antitrust trial against Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster, as dozens of state attorneys general pushed their case that the company has illegally monopolized the live concert industry.

Prosecutors pointed to exclusive long-term contracts, high ticketing fees, and complaints from artists as evidence that Live Nation has used its size to squeeze out competition. Live Nation's CEO pushed back, arguing the company brought "business professionalism" to the live events space and that competitors have freely copied that model.

The judge has not yet indicated when a ruling will come.

The trial runs alongside a separate settlement the federal government reached with Live Nation in early March. That deal lets the company keep Ticketmaster but comes with significant conditions: Ticketmaster must sell off up to 13 amphitheaters, reserve half of all tickets for nonexclusive venues, and cap ticketing service fees at 15%.