Jury finds Live Nation, Ticketmaster violated antitrust laws in ticketing monopoly case

A jury has found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws by unlawfully maintaining monopoly power in the live entertainment business, handing a coalition of states a major courtroom victory against the concert giant. The ruling sets up a separate trial to determine remedies and financial penalties.

The verdict was returned Wednesday in New York after a five-week civil trial brought by a bipartisan coalition of states, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James.

The case centered on allegations that Live Nation, through its control of concert promotion, amphitheaters and Ticketmaster’s ticketing business, suppressed competition and drove up costs for fans, artists and venues.

The jury found that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintained a monopoly in ticketing services for major concert venues. It also found that Live Nation held a monopoly in the market for large amphitheaters and unlawfully required artists performing at those venues to use its promotion services.

Jurors also found that concertgoers were overcharged for tickets at major venues across the country.

The Justice Department reached a settlement with Live Nation during the trial, but a coalition of 34 states rejected that deal and continued litigating, leading to Wednesday’s verdict.

The case will now move to a bench trial, where the states will seek additional remedies and financial penalties.