Live Nation, Ticketmaster Antitrust Trial Resumes After 7 States Join DOJ Settlement

32 states continue to argue Live Nation and Ticketmaster are stifling competition and driving up prices for fans.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:12pm

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More than 30 states will resume their antitrust trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster on Monday in a New York federal court after negotiations this week failed to result in many states joining a tentative settlement reached by the Justice Department. Arkansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota have agreed to join the DOJ settlement, while the remaining 32 states plan to continue the trial, arguing the companies are squelching competition and driving up prices for fans.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about Live Nation and Ticketmaster's dominance in the live entertainment industry and their ability to control ticket prices and access. The trial will examine allegations that the companies have used threats, retaliation and other tactics to 'suffocate the competition' and maintain their market power.

The details

The states argue that Live Nation Entertainment and its ticketing subsidiary Ticketmaster control virtually every aspect of the industry, from concert promotion to ticketing, and this has allowed them to drive up prices for fans. The companies deny monopolizing the industry, saying artists, sports teams and venues set prices and decide how tickets are sold.

  • The trial will resume on Monday, March 17, 2026.
  • The jury began hearing evidence in the case only last week before the Justice Department reached a deal over the past weekend.

The players

Live Nation Entertainment

A live entertainment company that owns Ticketmaster, the largest ticket seller in North America.

Ticketmaster

The ticketing subsidiary of Live Nation Entertainment that controls a large portion of the live event ticketing market.

Judge Arun Subramanian

The federal judge presiding over the antitrust trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

Dan Wall

The attorney representing Live Nation in the trial.

Justice Department

The U.S. government agency that reached a tentative settlement with Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which 7 states have now joined.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.