States Forge Ahead with Live Nation Antitrust Case

Federal government settles, but over 30 states resume trial accusing concert giant of monopolistic practices

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A coalition of more than 30 states, most of which objected to a settlement between the Justice Department and Live Nation, the concert giant that includes Ticketmaster, will resume an antitrust case on Monday in Federal District Court in Manhattan. The trial was paused after Live Nation and the Justice Department announced a settlement deal, but the majority of states came to no deal and will continue the case.

Why it matters

The case raises concerns about Live Nation's dominance in the live entertainment industry and its impact on ticket prices, innovation, and competition. The states argue Live Nation has illegally maintained a monopoly, while the company denies being a monopoly.

The details

The trial will resume with the same jury that was sworn in earlier this month. Key testimony is expected from AEG Presents CEO Jay Marciano, Live Nation's biggest rival. The Justice Department's settlement deal with Live Nation would allow outside promoters in their venues and let venues use any ticketing vendor, but various state attorneys general say the terms are insufficient.

  • The trial will resume on Monday, March 17, 2026.
  • The settlement deal between Live Nation and the Justice Department was announced on March 5, 2026.

The players

Live Nation

A concert giant that includes Ticketmaster, accused by states of illegally maintaining a monopoly in the live entertainment industry.

Justice Department

Reached a settlement deal with Live Nation, which was objected to by over 30 states.

Judge Arun Subramanian

The judge overseeing the case, who urged states to negotiate with Live Nation but expressed anger when the settlement deal was not disclosed to the court in a timely manner.

Jay Marciano

The chief executive of AEG Presents, Live Nation's biggest corporate rival, who is expected to return to the stand to continue his testimony.

Jeffrey L. Kessler

An experienced lawyer hired by the states continuing the case to represent them as outside counsel.

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What they’re saying

“It shows absolute disrespect for the court, the jury and this entire process. It is absolutely unacceptable.”

— Judge Arun Subramanian (New York Times)

“The deal 'falls far short of protecting consumers, artists and venues from the harms that Live Nation and Ticketmaster have caused.'”

— Andrea Joy Campbell, Attorney General of Massachusetts (New York Times)

What’s next

The trial will resume with the same jury that was sworn in earlier this month, and key testimony is expected from AEG Presents CEO Jay Marciano.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over Live Nation's dominance in the live entertainment industry and the impact it has on ticket prices, innovation, and competition. The states' decision to forge ahead with the case despite the Justice Department's settlement deal underscores their commitment to addressing these antitrust concerns.