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

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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 settlement, while the remaining 32 states plan to continue the trial, arguing that Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster are squelching competition and driving up prices for fans.

Why it matters

The high-profile trial will test the government's ability to rein in the dominance of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which control much of the live music industry. The outcome could have significant implications for concert-goers and the broader entertainment landscape.

The details

The trial had already begun when the Justice Department announced a deal with Live Nation that would allow more competition in some ticket markets. However, many states criticized the deal as not going far enough. After a week of further negotiations, the trial will now resume 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 the company acknowledging "outrageous" pricing and taking advantage of "stupid" customers.

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

What’s next

The judge has ruled that the trial will resume on Monday, March 17, 2026 with the remaining 32 states continuing their antitrust case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.