A federal jury in New York has found that entertainment giant Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster violated U.S. antitrust laws by wielding illegal monopoly power. The verdict, delivered on April 15, 2026, follows a civil lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and 30 state attorneys general.
The Justice Department argued that Live Nation-Ticketmaster's practices, including long-term exclusive contracts with venues and threats of retaliation against competitors, stifled competition and led to higher fees for consumers. The trial, which began in March 2026, presented evidence of the company's dominance in ticketing for major concerts and live events.
This ruling is a significant victory for the Biden administration's broader antitrust enforcement agenda. The case now moves to a remedies phase, where the court will consider what actions to order, which could include potentially breaking up the company. Live Nation has stated it will appeal the verdict.
