Landmark Jury Verdict Finds Ticketmaster Engaged in Illegal Monopoly Practices

BALTIMORE, MD — Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and a coalition of 33 other state attorneys general have secured a significant victory in their lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. A jury has determined that the entertainment giant violated federal and state antitrust laws by unlawfully eliminating competition, a practice that has led to increased costs for consumers, artists, and competing venues. The decision follows a five-week trial where the coalition successfully argued that Live Nation and Ticketmaster have maintained and abused their dominant market position.

The legal action, initiated in May 2024, alleged that Live Nation’s extensive control over various facets of the live event industry—including venue ownership, event promotion, and ticketing services through its subsidiary Ticketmaster—enabled it to inflate prices and stifle competition. While the U.S. Department of Justice reached a settlement with Live Nation during the trial, Attorney General Brown and the coalition of states opted to continue pursuing their case. The jury’s findings indicate that Live Nation and Ticketmaster engaged in anticompetitive conduct that breaches both federal and state regulations.

Specifically, the jury concluded that Ticketmaster illegally holds a monopoly in the market for ticketing services at major concert venues. Furthermore, Live Nation was found to possess a monopoly in the market for large amphitheaters typically utilized by artists. The company was also found to have unlawfully mandated that artists performing at its owned amphitheaters must utilize Live Nation’s event promotion services. These findings directly support the assertion that fans have been subjected to inflated ticket prices for concerts held at prominent venues nationwide.

With the liability phase of the trial concluded, Attorney General Brown and the coalition will now present arguments for remedies and financial penalties. A separate bench trial will be scheduled to address these matters. This verdict could lead to significant changes in the live event industry, potentially resulting in more competitive ticketing options and fairer pricing for consumers and artists.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Attorney General.

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