A coalition of U.S. states has asked a federal judge to break up Live Nation Entertainment and its Ticketmaster subsidiary, according to court filings on May 21, 2026. The states argue that the company's dominance in live event ticketing harms competition and consumers.
The request goes beyond the terms of a settlement reached with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) earlier this year. The DOJ's settlement, announced in March 2026, required Live Nation to make certain business practice changes but did not mandate a breakup.
The states, led by attorneys general from several jurisdictions, contend that only structural separation can effectively address anticompetitive behavior. They cite evidence of high fees, limited consumer choice, and barriers to entry for rivals.
A hearing on the matter is expected in the coming months. Live Nation has stated it will defend its business model, arguing that the company has faced increased competition and that a breakup would harm the live entertainment industry.
