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

Negotiations fail to bring more states on board with tentative federal settlement, as over 30 states continue antitrust case against live music giant.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:20am

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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. Only 7 Republican-led states have agreed to the federal settlement, while the remaining 32 states plan to continue trying to convince a jury that Live Nation and Ticketmaster are squelching competition and driving up prices for fans.

Why it matters

This high-profile antitrust case against the live music industry's dominant player could have major implications for concert ticket prices and access, as well as the overall fan experience. The outcome could set an important precedent for how the government approaches consolidation in the entertainment industry.

The details

The states argue that Live Nation Entertainment and its ticketing subsidiary Ticketmaster have used threats, retaliation and other tactics to control virtually every aspect of the live music industry, from concert promotion to ticketing. This has allegedly allowed them to drive up prices for fans. Live Nation denies monopolizing the industry, saying artists, sports teams and venues set prices and decide how tickets are sold.

  • The antitrust trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster will resume on Monday, March 17, 2026.
  • Negotiations between the states and the Justice Department over a settlement took place this week but failed to bring more states on board.

The players

Live Nation Entertainment

The live music giant that owns Ticketmaster and is accused by over 30 states of anti-competitive practices to control the industry.

Ticketmaster

The ticketing subsidiary of Live Nation Entertainment that is also named in the antitrust lawsuit brought by over 30 states.

U.S. Justice Department

The federal agency that had taken the lead in suing Live Nation but reached a tentative settlement deal with the company, which has been criticized by many states as not going far enough.

Arun Subramanian

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

Dan Wall

The attorney representing Live Nation who told the judge the chance of all states settling this week was "about zero."

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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.