Live Nation accused of threatening concert venues

Antitrust trial alleges Live Nation intimidated venues to use Ticketmaster

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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During the first week of a six-week antitrust trial against Live Nation-Ticketmaster, witnesses have testified that the concert promotion giant allegedly threatened to withhold concerts from venues that didn't use Ticketmaster, its ticketing subsidiary. This created fear among venues that they would lose important revenue streams if they switched to rival ticketing providers like SeatGeek, even if those providers offered better deals.

Why it matters

The government's case alleges that Live Nation's alleged retaliation tactics have allowed it to maintain a monopoly over the live music industry, stifling competition and harming consumers through higher ticket prices and fees. The outcome of the trial could lead to major changes in how the live events business operates.

The details

Witnesses, including the CEO of ticketing company SeatGeek, have described how venues were hesitant to switch from Ticketmaster due to fears that Live Nation would retaliate by pulling concerts. SeatGeek even offered 'retaliation insurance' to venues to cover lost revenue, but the company acknowledged this was an expensive and 'really scary' measure. The trial has also heard allegations that Live Nation has monopoly power over large outdoor amphitheaters, conditioning access to these venues on using its own promotion services.

  • The government's antitrust trial against Live Nation-Ticketmaster began on March 9, 2026.
  • The trial is expected to last six weeks.

The players

Live Nation

A live events and ticketing company that owns Ticketmaster and is accused of using its market power to stifle competition.

SeatGeek

A ticketing company that has alleged Live Nation threatened to withhold concerts from venues that switched to SeatGeek's platform.

Jack Groetzinger

The CEO of SeatGeek, who testified about the company's struggles to sign venues due to Live Nation's alleged retaliation tactics.

John Abbamondi

The former CEO of Barclays Center owner BSE Global, who testified about negotiations with SeatGeek.

Mitch Helgerson

The chief revenue officer for the Minnesota Wild hockey team, who testified about Live Nation-Ticketmaster's alleged threats to move shows to a competing venue.

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What they’re saying

“It's really scary, but if we feel that we have no choice, we'll do it.”

— Jack Groetzinger, CEO, SeatGeek (The Verge)

“An arena worries about being skipped when they feel like they're on an island.”

— Jack Groetzinger, CEO, SeatGeek (The Verge)

“Live Nation would simply route around [the new amphitheater] if it were denied the contract.”

— Oliver Chi, Former Irvine, CA city manager (The Verge)

What’s next

If a settlement is not announced, the jury is expected to hear from additional witnesses, including AEG, a rival concert promoter, as well as artists Kid Rock and Mumford & Sons' Ben Lovett.

The takeaway

The trial highlights the alleged anti-competitive practices of Live Nation-Ticketmaster and the impact on the live music industry, with smaller venues and ticketing companies struggling to compete against the industry's dominant player. The outcome could lead to significant changes in how the live events business operates.