Live Nation, which operates the Ticketmaster platform, has been determined to have a monopoly. A federal jury today announced its verdict that the company violated federal and state antitrust rules. This finding won’t surprise anyone who has used Ticketmaster and been shocked by their final bill. However, it is unclear what the jury’s decision will mean in practice.
For starters, the judge overseeing the case has not determined what measures will be imposed. These actions could go as far as requiring Live Nation to sell Ticketmaster. Economic damages are also to be awarded, which have not been determined yet. And whatever the judge decides, it’s likely that Live Nation will appeal the decision. In a statement released today by Live Nation, the company said there are still other motions pending that could also impact the jury’s decision. “Of course, Live Nation can and will appeal any adverse decision on these proposals.”
The Justice Department and a group of state and district attorneys general sued Live Nation over monopoly claims in 2024. The government agency reached a settlement with Live Nation last month, but other parties continued their actions. A separate case is also being prosecuted by the Federal Trade Commission that questions whether Live Nation colluded with ticket resellers.
Updated, April 15, 2025, 6:31 pm ET: Added statement from Live Nation.
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