Federal Judge Allows Live Nation Antitrust Lawsuit to Proceed

Lawsuit alleges Live Nation illegally tried to dominate the live concert industry

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A federal judge has denied Live Nation Entertainment's motion to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, 39 states, and Washington D.C. The lawsuit accuses Live Nation of monopolizing markets for ticketing, concert-booking, venues, and promotions, harming both fans and performers. 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 decision is a major setback for Live Nation, the world's largest concert promoter, as it faces allegations of anticompetitive practices that have long drawn scrutiny from fans, politicians, and regulators. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for the live music industry and consumer access to concert tickets.

The details

The lawsuit alleges 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 said the government plaintiffs can try to prove these claims at trial. However, he dismissed claims related to concert promotions and concert-booking services at major venues.

  • The lawsuit was filed in May 2024.
  • The judge's decision to deny Live Nation's motion to dismiss was made on February 18, 2026.
  • Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to begin on March 2, 2026.

The players

Live Nation Entertainment

The world's largest concert promoter, based in Beverly Hills, California.

U.S. Department of Justice

The federal agency that filed the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation.

39 states and Washington, D.C.

The state plaintiffs that joined the federal government's antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation.

Judge Arun Subramanian

The U.S. District Court judge who denied Live Nation's motion to dismiss the lawsuit, clearing the way for a possible trial.

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What they’re saying

“With those claims gone, we see no possible basis for breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster.”

— Dan Wall, Live Nation's Executive Vice President for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs (rilawyersweekly.com)

What’s next

The judge has yet to rule on Live Nation's request to limit the initial trial to claims by the state plaintiffs, and address the Department of Justice's claims separately.

The takeaway

This ruling is a significant victory for the government and states in their efforts to rein in Live Nation's alleged monopolistic practices in the live music industry. The upcoming trial will put a spotlight on the company's business practices and could lead to major changes in the concert promotion and ticketing landscape if the plaintiffs prevail.