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DOJ Begins Landmark Antitrust Trial Against Live Nation
Jury selection underway in federal court case over alleged monopolization of ticketing industry
Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:31am
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The U.S. Department of Justice's highly anticipated antitrust trial against Live Nation Entertainment and its Ticketmaster subsidiary has begun in federal court in Manhattan. The DOJ alleges that Live Nation has illegally monopolized key parts of the live music and ticketing industries, stifling competition and harming consumers.
Why it matters
This case represents a major escalation in the government's efforts to rein in the power of Live Nation, which dominates the live music and ticketing markets. A victory for the DOJ could lead to significant structural changes in the industry and increased competition, potentially lowering ticket prices for consumers.
The details
The trial will feature testimony and evidence from both sides as the DOJ seeks to prove that Live Nation has abused its market dominance through exclusionary tactics and retaliation against venues that work with competing ticket sellers. Live Nation denies the allegations and argues that its business practices benefit artists and fans.
- The trial began on March 3, 2026 in federal court in Manhattan.
- Jury selection is currently underway, with opening arguments expected in the coming weeks.
The players
Live Nation Entertainment
A live entertainment company that owns Ticketmaster, the dominant ticket seller in the U.S. live event industry.
U.S. Department of Justice
The federal agency bringing the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
What they’re saying
“This case is about preserving competition and choice for consumers in the live entertainment and ticketing industries.”
— Makan Delrahim, Former Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ's Antitrust Division
“We are confident that the facts and the law are on our side, and we look forward to our day in court.”
— Michael Rapino, CEO, Live Nation Entertainment
What’s next
The trial is expected to last several weeks, with a verdict from the jury determining the outcome of the DOJ's antitrust case against Live Nation.
The takeaway
This high-profile trial will have major implications for the live entertainment industry, as a DOJ victory could lead to significant structural changes and increased competition in the ticketing market, potentially benefiting consumers through lower prices and more choice.
