Jury Finds Live Nation Operated as Illegal Monopoly, Overcharged Customers

Landmark verdict against entertainment giant for anticompetitive practices that harmed the live events industry

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:37am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image of a cracked and shattered ticket stub on a stark white background, symbolizing the damage caused by Live Nation and Ticketmaster's anticompetitive practices.The broken ticket stub represents the harm caused by Live Nation and Ticketmaster's monopolistic control over the live events industry.NYC Today

A New York jury has found that Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster maintained an illegal monopoly on the live event market, allowing them to raise prices and stifle competition. The verdict comes after a lengthy trial brought by the Department of Justice and 39 states, who accused the company of anticompetitive conduct including retaliating against competitors and restricting artists' access to venues.

Why it matters

Live Nation/Ticketmaster controls roughly 70-80% of major concert and live event ticket sales, as well as a significant share of venues and concert promotions. This verdict is a major blow to the company's dominance and could lead to increased competition, lower prices, and more options for consumers and artists in the live events industry.

The details

The jury reached the verdict on April 15 after a trial that began on March 2 and included testimony from dozens of industry witnesses. New York Attorney General Letitia James called it a 'landmark victory' that will protect consumers from Live Nation and Ticketmaster's 'harmful monopoly.' The DOJ and some states had previously settled with the company, but over 30 states chose to go to trial instead. The verdict found Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for harming the music industry as a whole, and a judge will now determine the amount owed in damages and consumer restitution.

  • The trial began on March 2, 2026.
  • The jury reached the verdict on April 15, 2026.

The players

Live Nation

A live events and ticketing giant that controls roughly 70%-80% of major live‑event tickets.

Ticketmaster

A subsidiary of Live Nation that is a major player in the live events ticketing market.

Letitia James

The New York Attorney General who called the verdict a 'landmark victory' against Live Nation and Ticketmaster's 'harmful monopoly.'

Department of Justice

The federal agency that brought the lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, along with 39 states and the District of Columbia.

Rob Bonta

The California Attorney General who said the verdict is a 'historic and resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them.'

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What they’re saying

“This is a landmark victory in our ongoing work to protect our economy and New Yorkers' wallets from harmful monopolies.”

— Letitia James, New York Attorney General

“This is a historic and resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them.”

— Rob Bonta, California Attorney General

What’s next

A judge will now determine the amount Live Nation and Ticketmaster owe in damages and consumer restitution.

The takeaway

This verdict is a major blow to Live Nation and Ticketmaster's dominance in the live events industry, potentially leading to increased competition, lower prices, and more options for consumers and artists. It highlights the ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges the company has faced over its anticompetitive practices.