US Settles Live Nation/Ticketmaster Antitrust Case, Blindsiding States

States seek mistrial, saying settlement will influence jury's view of their ongoing case

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The US Department of Justice has agreed to settle its antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, taking state attorneys general by surprise in the middle of the trial. The states are now seeking a mistrial, arguing the "sudden disappearance" of the federal government from the case will likely give the jury the incorrect impression that Live Nation's "antitrust violations have been cured or resolved, or that Proceeding Plaintiff States' claims lack merit."

Why it matters

This case has major implications for the live music industry, with the states arguing Live Nation has a monopoly on concert ticket sales. The surprise settlement between the federal government and Live Nation/Ticketmaster raises questions about the strength of the antitrust case and whether the states can succeed in their ongoing litigation without the backing of the DOJ.

The details

The DOJ and most US states sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster in 2024, alleging the companies have a monopoly on live music ticket sales. The trial began last week, but on March 8 the US and Live Nation informed the court of a proposed settlement, catching the state attorneys general off guard. The states have now filed a motion for a mistrial, saying they need time to evaluate the settlement terms and prepare for a new trial.

  • The DOJ and most US states sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster in 2024.
  • The trial began last week on March 3, 2026.
  • On March 8, 2026, the US and Live Nation informed the court of a proposed settlement.

The players

Live Nation

A live entertainment company that owns Ticketmaster, the largest ticket seller in North America.

Ticketmaster

The largest ticket seller in North America, owned by Live Nation.

US Department of Justice

The federal agency that originally sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster for antitrust violations.

State Attorneys General

Attorneys general from 27 states and the District of Columbia who are continuing to pursue the case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

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What’s next

The judge presiding over the case will decide whether to grant the states' motion for a mistrial.

The takeaway

This surprise settlement between the federal government and Live Nation/Ticketmaster raises concerns about the strength of the antitrust case and whether the states can succeed in their ongoing litigation without the backing of the DOJ. The outcome of this case will have major implications for the live music industry and consumer choice.