Jury Finds Live Nation Maintained Illegal Ticketing Monopoly

South Carolina AG wins five-week trial against Live Nation and Ticketmaster

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:06pm

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An abstract illustration featuring bold, jagged black silhouettes and high-contrast solid colors like red and white, conceptually representing the breaking up of a monopoly in the live entertainment industry.A court ruling against Live Nation's monopolistic control over concert ticketing could lead to more affordable live entertainment options for fans.NYC Today

A New York jury has ruled that Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster maintained an illegal monopoly on the live event ticketing market, allowing them to overcharge customers. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson led a coalition of 40 states in the lawsuit, which was first filed in May 2024 and alleged that Live Nation and Ticketmaster were monopolizing the concert industry and suppressing competition, leading to higher ticket prices for fans.

Why it matters

This verdict is a major win for consumers, as it could lead to more competition in the live event ticketing industry and potentially lower ticket prices for concerts and other live shows. The lawsuit aimed to break up Live Nation's stranglehold on the market and give fans more options when purchasing tickets.

The details

The five-week trial found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster used their dominant market position to outcompete other ticketing services, venue owners, and concert promoters, allowing them to charge higher prices to customers. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson led the coalition of 40 states in bringing the lawsuit, which was first filed in May 2024.

  • The lawsuit was first filed in May 2024.
  • The five-week trial concluded on April 16, 2026.

The players

Live Nation

A major live event and ticketing company that was found to have maintained an illegal monopoly on the live event ticketing market.

Ticketmaster

A subsidiary of Live Nation that was also found to have participated in the illegal monopolistic practices.

Alan Wilson

The Attorney General of South Carolina who led a coalition of 40 states in bringing the lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

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What they’re saying

“This was a fight about fair market competition to ensure fans and artists aren't gouged by a monopoly that raises prices because it controls the entire concert system.”

— Alan Wilson, South Carolina Attorney General

What’s next

The judge in the case will now determine the appropriate remedies, which could include fines, restructuring of Live Nation's business practices, or even a potential breakup of the company.

The takeaway

This verdict is a significant victory for consumers and the live music industry, as it has the potential to increase competition and drive down ticket prices for concerts and other live events. It also serves as a warning to other companies that may be engaging in monopolistic practices.