After a long process that began in May 2024, when the Department of Justice (DOJ) and 39 states filed a lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster for having a monopoly over the live music industry, a federal court jury finally found Live Nation to be an illegal monopoly.
The DOJ and states involved made the claim that Live Nation was a monopoly over the music and ticketing industry through their unfair control over tickets, concert booking, promotions, and venues.
In addition, the lawsuit highlighted the company’s involvement in “anticompetitive conduct,” leading to fans having to pay unfair higher fees and placing restrictions on artists on where they can tour.
During the crucial antitrust trial on Wednesday, jurors also found that Ticketmaster overcharged concertgoers by $1.72 dollars per ticket.
On Wednesday, in Manhattan Federal court, jurors finally delivered the verdict, ultimately agreeing with Live Nation’s monopolization.
Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, stated: “A jury found what we have long known to be true: Live Nation and Ticketmaster are breaking the law and costing consumers millions of dollars in the process.”
According to NBC News, Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney for the states, said, “It’s a great day for antitrust law. It’s a great day for consumers. This case is a tribute to the 34 states and the District of Columbia who carried this case forward and it was my great honor to be working with them together on this.”
The final decision and legal proof in court that Live Nation holds a monopoly is an extremely positive and celebrated decision for many concertgoers, consumers, and artists. While it can be expected that Live Nation will appeal, they have not issued a statement yet.
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