Justice Department and Live Nation reach settlement over illegal monopoly case

Some states refuse to join deal, vowing to continue antitrust trial against Live Nation

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The U.S. Justice Department has reached a tentative settlement with Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation Entertainment over an antitrust lawsuit alleging an illegal monopoly over live events in America. The deal would require Live Nation to pay a $280 million fine, divest at least 13 amphitheaters, and allow competitors to sell up to 50% of tickets. However, over two dozen states have rejected the settlement and plan to continue the trial, arguing the agreement does not adequately address Live Nation's monopolistic practices.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about consolidation and lack of competition in the live entertainment industry, which has led to higher ticket prices and less choice for consumers. The Justice Department's lawsuit and the states' refusal to join the settlement indicate a broader push to rein in the power of dominant players like Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

The details

Under the proposed settlement, Live Nation would pay a $280 million fine and divest itself of at least 13 amphitheaters nationwide. The deal would also open up Live Nation's ticketing processes so competitors can share in the sale of tickets. However, over 25 states have rejected the settlement, arguing it does not adequately address Live Nation's monopolistic practices. These states accuse Live Nation of using long-term contracts, threats, and retaliation to maintain its stranglehold over the live music industry, from concert promotion to ticketing.

  • The Justice Department announced the tentative settlement on March 9, 2026.
  • The trial is set to resume next week for the states unwilling to join the settlement.

The players

Justice Department

The U.S. Department of Justice, which filed the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment in 2024.

Live Nation Entertainment

The parent company of Ticketmaster, a major player in the live entertainment industry that has been accused of maintaining an illegal monopoly.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General, who said the proposed settlement "fails to address the monopoly at the center of this case."

Jeff Jackson

The North Carolina Attorney General, who called the agreement "a terrible deal" that was hidden from the states until the last minute.

Nick Brown

The Washington State Attorney General, who said the bipartisan group of state attorneys general would continue the case because "the case against Live Nation is strong, and the state coalition is committed to holding the company accountable for its illegal behavior, protecting consumers and restoring competition to this market."

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What they’re saying

“We have never relied on exclusivity to drive our ticketing business, it has simply been the result of having the best products, services and people in the industry”

— Michael Rapino, President and CEO of Live Nation (Live Nation Entertainment)

“This case is about Live Nation and Ticketmaster harming consumers, trapping artists, and driving up ticket prices. We will see them back in court, shortly.”

— Jeff Jackson, North Carolina Attorney General

“The reported settlement does not appear to include any specific and explicit protections for fans, artists, or independent venues and festivals. The $280 million fine represented about four days of Live Nation's 2025 revenue. They could potentially make it back by this Friday.”

— Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association

What’s next

The trial is set to resume next week for the states unwilling to join the settlement, as they continue to press claims that Live Nation was squelching competition and driving up prices for fans through threats, retaliation and other tactics.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle over consolidation and lack of competition in the live entertainment industry, with the Justice Department and some states pushing for reforms to protect consumers and independent venues, while Live Nation maintains its dominance. The refusal of over two dozen states to join the settlement suggests a protracted legal fight ahead.