LiveNation illegally monopolized ticketing market, jury in antitrust trial finds

BREAKING NEWSApr. 15, 2026, 7:01 PM UTCConsumerConsumerLive Nation illegally monopolized ticketing market, jury in antitrust trial findsThe federal government struck a settlement with Live Nation in March, requiring Ticketmaster to divest up to 13 amphitheaters, reserve 50% of tickets for nonexclusive venues and cap service fees at 15%.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00The Live Nation app.Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleBy Allie Canal, Chloe Atkins and Adam ReissA jury in a high-stakes antitrust trial on Wednesday found that Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, illegally maintained monopoly power in the ticketing market.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.A group of jurors delivered the verdict in Manhattan federal court after around five weeks of trial, which featured testimony from dozens of witnesses. The jury began deliberating on Friday.The complaint, initially brought by the Department of Justice and the dozens of state attorneys general in 2024, claimed that Live Nation monopolized the industry by controlling ticketing, concert booking, venues, and promotions. The lawsuit alleged that the company engaged in “anticompetitive conduct,” resulting in fans paying higher fees, artists having fewer options for touring, and coercing venues to use Ticketmaster. Live Nation has vehemently denied acting as a monopoly.Antitrust lawyers previously told NBC News that settlements can range from a modest set of conduct changes to sweeping consent decrees.The federal government struck a surprise deal with the company in March after a face-to-face meeting between Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino and Omeed Assefi, the acting assistant attorney general for the Antitrust Division. The settlement came just weeks after the ousting of Gail Slater, who had served as the Justice Department’s top antitrust chief before abruptly exiting her position on February 12....