Judge Rejects Live Nation's Bid to Dismiss Lawsuit Alleging Ticketmaster Monopoly

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A federal judge has rejected Live Nation Entertainment's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice, 39 states, and Washington, D.C., accusing the company of illegally trying to monopolize the live concert industry. The judge ruled that there is a genuine dispute of material fact as to whether Live Nation has used monopoly power to foreclose competition, clearing the way for a possible antitrust trial in Manhattan federal court.

Why it matters

The lawsuit alleges that Live Nation, through its ownership of Ticketmaster, has monopolized markets for ticketing, concert-booking, venues, and promotions, harming both fans and performers. This decision comes after years of public and political pressure to re-examine Live Nation's 2010 purchase of Ticketmaster, which many believe has led to anti-competitive practices and higher prices for concertgoers.

The details

The judge rejected Live Nation's arguments that it did not exercise monopoly power and that there was no evidence of harm to 'consumer welfare.' The judge said the government plaintiffs can try to prove that Live Nation improperly tied the use of its amphitheaters to concert promotion services, and illegally dominated the market for ticketing services to major concert venues. The judge also said states can try to seek damages for ticket-buying fans, saying it was 'reasonably foreseeable' that fans might have been harmed.

• The lawsuit was filed in May 2024 by the Department of Justice, 39 states, and Washington, D.C.
• Jury selection for the potential antitrust trial is scheduled to begin on March 2.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge's decision clears the way for a potential antitrust trial, with jury selection scheduled to begin on March 2.