A U.S. jury has found the world’s biggest ticketing company ran an illegal monopoly.
The finding is part of a years-long legal battle over whether Live Nation Entertainment (the company behind Ticketmaster) used its dominance in the live events industry to crush competition and overcharge fans.
The verdict could lead to a forced break-up of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
Here’s what you need to know.
Live Nation
Live Nation merged with Ticketmaster in 2010.
The new umbrella company, Live Nation Entertainment (LNE), included both Live Nation and Ticketmaster as brands, becoming the world’s largest live events company.
It now controls around 80% of ticketing at major U.S. concerts, holds stakes in 460 venues, and promotes tens of thousands of events every year.
The case
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and attorneys general from 40 states sued LNE, accusing it of building a monopoly.
This is when one business has a high level of control over an industry.
Under a monopoly, the controlling company has no incentive to keep prices affordable, because customers have no other option.
The trial began in March 2026, however the DoJ settled with LNE days in, agreeing to fee caps and fines without forcing a Ticketmaster sell-off.
Most states rejected the deal, meaning the trial continued without the DoJ.
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Throughout the trial, LNE CEO Michael Rapino was questioned about the company’s handling of ticket sales.
This included a 2022 incident where fans couldn’t access tickets to Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’, which Rapino said was the result of a cyberattack.
Verdict
This week, the jury found Live Nation and Ticketmaster:
- illegally maintained a monopoly of the ticketing market, and
- monopolised access to “major concert venues” or “large amphitheatres”
They also found Live Nation unlawfully tied artist promotion to venue access, and that Ticketmaster overcharged fans an average of $1.72 per ticket.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta called it “a historic and resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them.”
Judge Arun Subramanian will now decide on penalties, and a forced break-up of Live Nation and Ticketmaster will be considered.
LNE said the verdict is “not the last word on this matter” and that it will appeal.
Australia
Live Nation and Ticketmaster have rapidly expanded across Australia’s live music industry over the past decade.
A spokesperson for Live Nation Australia told TDA the company remains focused on "supporting local talent and investing in the growth of the industry," and that the decision has "no bearing" on its operations in Australia.
The Federal Government has flagged plans to crack down on “dodgy” ticket practices and hidden fees.
