A Manhattan federal jury found Wednesday that Live Nation and Ticketmaster illegally maintained a monopoly over the ticketing market, effectively rejecting a softer federal settlement the company had already secured. The verdict follows a five-week trial where dozens of witnesses testified that the company’s grip on concert booking, venues, and promotions squeezed artists and fans into a corner.
The complaint began in 2024. The Justice Department and dozens of state attorneys general alleged that Live Nation used anticompetitive conduct to force venues into using Ticketmaster and limit options for touring artists. Fans paid the price through higher fees.
Live Nation didn’t agree with the allegations. The company vehemently denied acting as a monopoly throughout the proceedings.
Why state attorneys general rejected the federal settlement
California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the verdict a “historic and resounding victory.” He argued that states had to step in because antitrust enforcement had dwindled under the Trump Administration. The states didn’t want a quiet agreement; they wanted a public finding of illegality to protect residents from corporate price-gouging.
This aggression stood in stark contrast to the federal government’s approach. The DOJ had struck a surprise deal with Live Nation in March after a face-to-face meeting between CEO Michael Rapino and acting assistant attorney general Omeed Assefi.
The timing of that deal was curious. It came just weeks after Gail Slater, the DOJ’s top antitrust chief known for her aggression toward Big Tech, abruptly left her position on Feb. 12.
The DOJ deal established a baseline for penalties
The federal settlement required Ticketmaster to divest up to 13 amphitheaters and cap ticketing service fees at 15%. It also mandated that 50% of tickets be reserved for nonexclusive venues. Live Nation accepted these terms without admitting any wrongdoing.
Legal experts suggest this agreement didn’t end the company’s troubles. Attorney Ray Seilie noted that the DOJ’s terms now serve as a “floor or minimum” for the remedies the states can pursue. The states essentially used the federal settlement as a starting point rather than a ceiling.
Under Judge Subramanian, the court will decide final damages
The jury’s verdict doesn’t immediately dismantle the company. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian will determine the specific remedies and overall damages at a later date.
The outcome could be severe. Because the jury found illegal monopoly power, the judge may impose more sweeping consent decrees or larger financial penalties than those found in the DOJ’s March agreement. The company’s integrated business model—controlling the artist, the ticket, and the room—is now legally vulnerable.
What did the DOJ settlement require of Ticketmaster?
The agreement required the company to divest up to 13 amphitheaters, cap service fees at 15%, and reserve 50% of tickets for nonexclusive venues.
Who determines the final penalties for Live Nation?
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian will decide the final remedies and damages.
