Live Nation and Ticketmaster lose antitrust case
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A New York jury on Wednesday found that event promoter Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary violated U.S. and state antitrust laws.
Why it matters: It's a major embarrassment for the Trump administration, which recently settled its case with minimal concessions.
- It also is likely to embolden state attorneys general to prosecute other antitrust cases.
Catch up quick: The U.S. Justice Department filed suit in 2024, arguing that the 2010 merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster had created an illegal monopoly that hurt both consumers and performers.
- It was considered one of DOJ's stronger antitrust cases in years, and also a political winner given broad popular discontent with Ticketmaster.
- When the Trump administration settled, over the objections of some of DOJ's own antitrust officials, the majority of U.S. states and the District of Columbia picked up the legal mantle.
- That trial began last month, and the jury deliberated for four days.
What they're saying: "We filed this case in 2024 because Live Nation and Ticketmaster used their dominance to lock out and intimidate rivals and drive up costs," says Doha Mekki, a former DOJ antitrust official who now teaches law at UC Berkeley.
- "Today's decision affirms that even the most powerful companies are not above the law – and it sends a strong signal that lawyers and citizens have the power to take on monopolies even when the federal government falls down on its obligation to do so."
- "This is a fantastic outcome for the American people," said Omeed Assefi, acting assistant attorney general for the DOJ's antitrust division.
- "DOJ and some states settled their case and got instant relief. The remaining states received a liability finding and will now move on to the next phase of a remedies trial. Everyone but Live Nation wins with this scenario."
Between the lines: The fact that the states were able to secure a win won't quiet chatter that the Trump DOJ has abandoned a tough-on-monopolies stance.
What to watch: The level of damages awarded, which will be determined in a separate proceeding.
- Not just monetary, but also a possible requirement that Live Nation divest Ticketmaster.
Editor's note: This story was updated with additional details.
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