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.
- Live Nation said, in part: "The jury's verdict is not the last word on this matter. Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand ... Live Nation can and will appeal any unfavorable rulings on these motions."
- "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."
The other side: Live Nation said in a statement, "The jury's verdict is not the last word on this matter."
- The company pointed to pending motions that will "determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand," adding that it "can and will appeal any unfavorable rulings on these motions."
- "We remain confident that the ultimate outcome of the States' case will not be materially different than what is envisioned by the DOJ settlement," it said.
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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