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

32 states plan to continue lawsuit alleging anti-competitive practices in live music industry

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:48am

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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 Republican-led states have agreed to the DOJ settlement, while the remaining 32 states plan to continue the trial, alleging the companies have squelched competition and driven up prices for fans through threats, retaliation, and other tactics.

Why it matters

The high-profile trial could have major implications for the live music industry, which has long been dominated by Live Nation and Ticketmaster. The states argue the companies' anti-competitive practices have harmed consumers through inflated ticket prices and fees, while the companies maintain they do not monopolize the industry and that artists, teams, and venues set their own prices.

The details

The trial was already underway when the Justice Department reached a tentative settlement with Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster. However, many states criticized the deal, saying the federal government failed to secure enough concessions from the companies. After a week of further negotiations, the trial will now resume on Monday with the remaining 32 states continuing their case. The judge also ruled against Live Nation's objection to the inclusion of internal emails that show employees acknowledging "outrageous" pricing and taking advantage of "stupid" customers.

  • The trial will resume on Monday, March 17, 2026.
  • Negotiations between the states and the DOJ took place this week but failed to result in a broader settlement.

The players

Live Nation Entertainment

A live entertainment company that owns Ticketmaster, the dominant ticket seller in the U.S. live music industry.

Ticketmaster

A subsidiary of Live Nation Entertainment and the largest ticket seller in the U.S. live music industry.

U.S. Department of Justice

The federal agency that initially sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster for alleged anti-competitive practices, but later reached a tentative settlement with the companies.

Judge Arun Subramanian

The judge presiding over the antitrust trial between the states and Live Nation/Ticketmaster.

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

The seven Republican-led states that have agreed to join the DOJ's settlement with Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

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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.