KUALA LUMPUR — A federal jury in New York has found Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, liable for operating as an illegal monopoly and overcharging customers, in a decision that could reshape the live entertainment industry.
The ruling came after four days of deliberations in a trial that spanned seven weeks, with authorities arguing the company’s practices blocked competition, pushed up ticket prices and reduced service quality, BBC reported.
The case, initially filed by the US Department of Justice in May 2024 under then Attorney General Merrick Garland, called for structural remedies, including potentially forcing Live Nation to divest parts of its business or separate from Ticketmaster.
Live Nation responded that “the jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter”, adding that it has filed motions challenging how damages were calculated and pointing to other pending legal actions that could affect the outcome.
As one of the largest players in global entertainment, Live Nation organised more than 55,000 concerts last year, drawing around 159 million attendees.
The verdict now opens the door to possible regulatory action that could break up its operations and allow smaller ticketing platforms and venues to compete.
Analysts say increased competition may lead to lower ticket prices and improve access for lesser-known performers seeking venues.
Morgan Harper of the American Economic Liberties Project described the decision as “a historic victory for fans, artists, concert promoters and venue owners who have suffered for decades under the thumb of Ticketmaster’s monopoly.”
Meanwhile, Professor John Kwoka said the outcome sends a broader signal to dominant firms.
“This shows that it is possible to conduct a focused trial that convinces a court of various anticompetitive acts,” he said.
Following the announcement, Live Nation’s shares dropped more than 6 per cent, with the court now able to impose financial penalties or order measures aimed at restoring market competition.
The jury also concluded that Ticketmaster overcharged customers by US$1.72 per ticket over several years, a figure expected to form the basis for calculating damages.
Throughout the trial, Live Nation maintained that it operates in a competitive market, pointing to rivals across sports, concerts and venue management.
The case took a complex turn earlier this year when the Department of Justice reached a settlement and withdrew, along with several states.
However, prosecutors from dozens of states, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, continued the case.
“We are incredibly proud of today’s outcome, and especially proud of our coalition made up of red and blue states alike who understood we needed to come together to protect our consumers, businesses and state economies from Live Nation’s illegal conduct,” Bonta said.
The ruling comes amid long-standing criticism of Ticketmaster’s market dominance, which intensified following ticketing issues during Taylor Swift Eras Tour.
At the time, system failures due to overwhelming demand forced the company to apologise publicly during a US Senate hearing.
Lawmakers have since pointed to market concentration concerns, with claims that Ticketmaster controls over 70% of major concert venue ticketing, while Live Nation dominates around 80% of large amphitheatre operations.
With legal challenges still ongoing, the final outcome remains uncertain, but the verdict marks a significant moment in efforts to curb corporate dominance in the live events industry. – April 16, 2026