A New York jury on Thursday found that Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, illegally monopolized major parts of the United States live events market.
The entertainment giant stages thousands of concerts every year and has been the world’s leading ticket seller since 2010.
The decision won’t provide immediate relief to frustrated musicians, but it could cost Live Nation millions of dollars and, if fined, could force the venue to be sold.
Live Nation said in a statement that the ruling “is not the final word on this matter.”
What did the jury say about Ticketmaster?
The lawsuit, brought under former President Joe Biden after complaints from concertgoers, accused Live Nation of suppressing competition by blocking venues from using multiple ticket sellers. Days after the trial, the Trump administration moved to settle its claims. Some states joined the proposed $280 million (€238 million) deal, pending court approval, but more than 30 continued the case.
Jurors concluded that Live Nation abused its market power in ticketing for more than 200 major venues and dozens of large amphitheatres, using its promotional services to gain access to their venues.
“A jury found what we have long believed to be true: Live Nation and Ticketmaster are breaking the law and harming consumers millions of dollars in the process,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the ruling “a historic and resounding victory for the artists, fans, and venues that support them.”
According to Bonta, Live Nation was also found to be overcharging consumers for tickets sold from May 2020 to 2024.
Penalties have not yet been decided, but the states are expected to seek damages and possibly a forced sale of Ticketmaster.
How might Ticketmaster’s decision affect concert attendees?
Live Nation said the potential loss was less than $350 million and argued that the outcome would be no different from the settlement it reached with the Justice Department in March.
Justice Department officials said that agreement required Live Nation to open its ticketing platform to competitors and allow other promoters to hold events at some Live Nation locations.
The ruling could force Live Nation to sell some of its concert venues when a judge later imposes a fine.
“The pending motions will determine whether liability and damage awards will be upheld,” Live Nation said.
The US Federal Trade Commission has filed a separate case against Ticketmaster, accusing it of deceptive ticket resale practices.
Edited by: Louis Olofse