A jury verdict against one of the largest forces in live entertainment is setting the stage for potential changes in how people buy concert tickets and how much they pay.
After a five-week trial, a bipartisan coalition of states proved that Live Nation and its ticketing arm, Ticketmaster, violated federal and state antitrust laws by maintaining monopoly power and limiting competition across the live event industry.
The jury found the companies liable for engaging in anticompetitive conduct that affected ticketing services, concert venues, and event promotion. The decision concluded that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintains a monopoly in ticketing for major concert venues, while Live Nation holds monopoly power over large amphitheaters used by artists.
Jurors also determined that Live Nation required artists performing at venues it owns to use its promotion services, restricting competition from other promoters. As a result, the jury found that fans were overcharged for tickets at major venues across the country.
The case was brought in May 2024 by a coalition of states, including Nevada and the U.S. Department of Justice, alleging the company’s control over venue ownership, promotion, and ticketing allowed it to raise costs and suppress competition. During the trial, which began March 2, 2026, the Department of Justice settled with Live Nation. The remaining states rejected that agreement and continued the case.
With the jury now siding with the states on liability, the next phase will focus on what penalties or changes the court will require. A separate bench trial will determine financial penalties and potential remedies aimed at restoring competition in the industry.
“I’m proud that a jury saw what is obvious to us. For too long, Live Nation has raked in billions from a monopoly that made it harder for Nevadans to see the artists they love, stifled artists, and inflated the cost of ticket prices for countless music fans,” said Attorney General Ford. “Our case was strong. Even after the federal government backed off, our bipartisan coalition stayed in and held the company accountable for conduct that harmed fans and artists alike. I look forward to the court ordering meaningful remedies that restore fairness to the market."
The outcome could lead to changes in how tickets are sold and priced, depending on what the court orders next.
