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Live Nation Defends Itself as Not a Monopoly in DOJ Antitrust Trial
The concert promotion and ticketing giant argues it faces fierce competition in a 'hard-fought battle'.
Mar. 3, 2026 at 10:18pm
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Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, is defending itself against the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit that alleges the company is an illegal monopoly that drives up ticket prices. In opening statements, Live Nation's attorney argued the company is a 'fierce, lawful competitor' in a 'competitive market' and that it 'brings enormous joy to people's lives' by producing great concerts and live events. The DOJ, however, claims Live Nation has illegally dominated the live concert industry by monopolizing ticketing, concert booking, venues and promotions.
Why it matters
The high-profile trial could have major implications for the live music industry, which has long faced criticism over Ticketmaster's dominance and the high fees charged to consumers. A ruling against Live Nation could lead to significant changes in how concerts and tickets are sold in the U.S.
The details
The DOJ lawsuit, filed in 2024, accuses Live Nation of engaging in 'anticompetitive conduct' that leads to fans paying more in fees, artists getting fewer opportunities, and venues having limited choices for ticketing services. Live Nation directly manages over 400 artists and owns or controls more than 265 concert venues in North America, while also controlling around 80% of major concert venues' ticketing through Ticketmaster. The DOJ pointed to the botched presale for Taylor Swift's 'The Eras' tour as evidence of Live Nation/Ticketmaster's monopolistic power, but the company's attorney blamed those issues on a cyberattack.
- The antitrust trial began on Monday, March 3, 2026 with jury selection.
- The trial is expected to last six weeks.
The players
Live Nation
A concert promotion and ticketing company that owns Ticketmaster. It is the defendant in the DOJ's antitrust lawsuit.
David Marriott
An attorney representing Live Nation in the antitrust trial.
David Dahlquist
An attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, which filed the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation.
Taylor Swift
A popular music artist whose 'The Eras' tour presale issues were cited as evidence of Live Nation/Ticketmaster's monopolistic power.
Michael Rapino
The CEO of Live Nation, who is expected to testify in the trial.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The trial is expected to last six weeks, with potential witnesses including musician Kid Rock, Minnesota Timberwolves CEO Matthew Caldwell, Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez, and Mumford & Sons keyboard player Ben Lovett. Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino and former Ticketmaster CEO Irving Azoff are also expected to testify.
The takeaway
This high-profile antitrust trial could have major implications for the live music industry, which has long faced criticism over Ticketmaster's dominance and high fees. The outcome could lead to significant changes in how concerts and tickets are sold in the U.S.
