DOJ Settlement with Live Nation Faces Skepticism

Concertgoers and state AGs criticize the proposed deal as not going far enough to address Ticketmaster's dominance.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:04am

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The Justice Department has announced a tentative settlement with Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, but the deal is facing pushback from more than two dozen state attorneys general and consumers who say it does not go far enough. The proposed settlement would allow up to 50% of tickets at Live Nation amphitheaters to be sold through any ticketing marketplace, with service fees capped at 15%. It would also require Live Nation to sell off 13 venues and establish a $280 million settlement fund.

Why it matters

The settlement is seen as a weak response to long-standing concerns about Ticketmaster's monopolistic control over the live music ticketing industry, which has led to high fees and poor customer service for concertgoers.

The details

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, one of more than two dozen state attorneys general rejecting the settlement, called it 'barely a slap on the wrist.' Kelly Morgan, a longtime concertgoer, expressed skepticism about the settlement, citing a previous Ticketmaster settlement that resulted in vouchers that were nearly impossible to use.

  • The Justice Department announced the tentative settlement on March 11, 2026.

The players

Live Nation

The parent company of Ticketmaster, the dominant player in the live music ticketing industry.

Jeff Jackson

The North Carolina Attorney General, one of more than two dozen state AGs rejecting the DOJ settlement with Live Nation.

Kelly Morgan

A longtime concertgoer who has experienced issues with Ticketmaster's customer service and fees.

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What they’re saying

“It was just a very one-sided deal, and it really hurts consumers — so we're going to keep the fight going.”

— Jeff Jackson, North Carolina Attorney General

“I'm hoping to god if they try to do something for customers, they issue something monetarily and not a voucher — because if it's a voucher, they've given me proof — you are never going to be able to utilize those vouchers.”

— Kelly Morgan, Concertgoer

What’s next

The proposed settlement will need to be approved by a federal judge before it can take effect. State attorneys general have vowed to continue fighting the deal, which they view as inadequate.

The takeaway

The DOJ's settlement with Live Nation highlights the ongoing challenges in reining in the power of Ticketmaster and addressing the concerns of concertgoers who have long complained about high fees and poor customer service. The skepticism surrounding the deal suggests more aggressive action may be needed to truly address the lack of competition in the live music ticketing industry.