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

32 states and D.C. plan to continue trial alleging anti-competitive practices by live music giant

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:34pm

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More than 30 states will resume their antitrust trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster on Monday after negotiations this week failed to result in many states joining a tentative settlement reached by the Justice Department. Seven states - Arkansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota - have agreed to the DOJ settlement, while the remaining 32 states and D.C. plan to continue the trial alleging anti-competitive practices by the live music giant.

Why it matters

The trial is a high-stakes battle over the dominance of Live Nation and Ticketmaster in the live music industry, with states arguing the companies have used threats, retaliation and other tactics to control virtually every aspect from concert promotion to ticketing, leading to higher prices for consumers. The outcome could have major implications for the future of the live entertainment market.

The details

The trial had already begun when the DOJ announced a settlement with Live Nation, but many states criticized the deal as not going far enough. After a week of further negotiations, the trial will now resume on Monday with the majority of states continuing their case. The judge also ruled against Live Nation's objection to the inclusion of internal emails showing employees acknowledging 'outrageous' pricing for VIP access and other amenities.

  • The trial will resume on Monday, March 17, 2026.
  • The DOJ announced a tentative settlement with Live Nation earlier this week.

The players

Live Nation Entertainment

The live music giant that owns Ticketmaster and is accused by states of anti-competitive practices to control the industry.

Ticketmaster

The ticketing subsidiary of Live Nation that is also a defendant in the antitrust trial.

U.S. Department of Justice

The federal agency that initially led the lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, but later reached a settlement with the companies that many states criticized.

Arkansas, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and South Dakota

The seven states that have agreed to join the DOJ settlement with Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

32 states and District of Columbia

The remaining states and D.C. that plan to continue the antitrust trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

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What they’re saying

“The chance all states would settle their claims this week was 'about zero.'”

— Dan Wall, Live Nation attorney (Court hearing)

“The prices Live Nation charges to access the VIP area of a Tampa, Florida, amphitheater are 'outrageous,' that customers paying the fees 'are so stupid' and that 'I almost feel bad taking advantage of them'.”

— Live Nation employee (Internal company email)

What’s next

The trial will resume on Monday, March 17, 2026 as the majority of states continue their antitrust case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

The takeaway

This high-profile trial will determine whether Live Nation and Ticketmaster's dominance of the live music industry is anti-competitive and harmful to consumers, with major implications for the future of the live entertainment market.