Fighting with the ticket barons and resale sites of the world is an infuriating battle. We’ve all been there, deep in the trenches of Ticketmaster. As of Tuesday, April 15, it looks like the other shoe has finally dropped. Following a blockbuster trial, a jury has ruled that Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster illegally held monopoly power in the ticketing market. The ruling overturns the Department of Justice’s settlement with Live Nation last month.
Are we really surprised by this ruling? It’s no secret that Live Nation and Ticketmaster absolutely dominate the live music industry. So much so that it’s a fair argument to say that the company holds an unfair advantage… as one might say, a monopoly. According to an article published in the Associated Press, the states’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler went as far as to brand the company as a “monopolistic bully” that drives up ticket prices.
The government first filed suit against Live Nation two years ago during the Biden administration. Forty states also sued the company. Victory in the lawsuit would mean the company splitting from Ticketmaster after 16 years. The DOJ settlement followed in March 2026, reportedly ordered by President Donald Trump directly. Under the settlement, Live Nation would have to agree to several structural changes. That includes changes to ticketing deals with venues, capping some service fees, and paying a $280 million fine.
A Live Nation representative shared the following statement with Variety, claiming that the jury’s verdict of an illegal Ticketmaster and Live Nation monopoly is “not the last word on this matter” and that “pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand.”
Live Nation can and will appeal any unfavorable rulings on these motions,” the statement reads. “Injunctive relief will be determined by the Court after the states make a remedy proposal, which we expect in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the Tunney Act proceedings regarding the DOJ settlement will continue. We remain confident that the ultimate outcome of the States’ case will not be materially different than what is envisioned by the DOJ settlement.
Senator Amy Klobuchar weighed in for the Court. “This decision is a major step toward restoring competition and accountability in live events. Now the Court must ensure any remedy truly opens the market, and that means lowering prices, increasing innovation, and protecting fans, artists, and venues, not delivering another deal that falls short.”
Is this the last chapter of the Live Nation lawsuit? Unfortunately, probably not. All we can hope for is that one day, we can have fair and affordable ticket prices for all. But it certainly feels good to finally say that Ticketmaster and Live Nation are a monopoly.
The post Ticketmaster Found Guilty of Illegal Ticketing Monopoly appeared first on Nerdist.
This articles is written by : Nermeen Nabil Khear Abdelmalak
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