Jury finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as monopoly, overcharged fans

A federal jury has found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as a monopoly in the live events and ticketing industry, siding with states that argued the companies overcharged fans and stifled competition.

The verdict follows a lengthy trial in New York, where jurors heard testimony from top figures in the music and entertainment business. The case centered on claims that Live Nation’s dominance across concerts, venues, and ticketing gave it outsized control over prices and access.

The lawsuit, brought by the Justice Department and 39 state attorneys general, accused the company of controlling nearly every aspect of the live music ecosystem. While the Justice Department reached a prior settlement with Live Nation, more than two dozen states pushed forward with the trial.

That earlier agreement included provisions allowing competitors like SeatGeek and StubHub to sell tickets to Live Nation events, capping service fees at 15%, and requiring the company to divest certain exclusive venue agreements.

Despite the jury’s decision, fans should not expect immediate changes at checkout. A second phase of the case will now determine potential remedies, which could include breaking up parts of the company or forcing broader structural changes.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the outcome, calling it a major step in protecting consumers from what he described as illegal pricing practices.

The jury also found that Ticketmaster overcharged states by about $1.72 per ticket, though the total financial penalties will be decided by a judge in the next phase of the case.

Experts say while the ruling is significant, it could take time before consumers see meaningful differences in ticket pricing, as any industry changes will likely unfold gradually.

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