Ticketmaster and Live Nation found guilty of anticompetitive monopoly practices

A New York jury has reached a verdict in a lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster, finding the companies to be in violation of antitrust laws. The jury deliberated for four days before delivering its decision on Wednesday.

The case, which was brought by dozens of states in the US, accused Live Nation of using its dominant market position to stifle competition in the ticketing industry. The verdict could result in significant financial penalties for the companies, including a $1.72 per-ticket overcharge found by the jury in 22 states.

Live Nation Entertainment owns and operates hundreds of venues worldwide, while Ticketmaster is widely considered the largest ticket-seller for live events. The company’s lawyers have declined to comment on the verdict, stating that a statement will be issued shortly.

The lawsuit initially began as a federal case led by the US government, but was later joined by dozens of states. The companies’ lawyers argued that Live Nation’s size was due to its excellence and effort, rather than any anti-competitive practices. Ticketmaster has faced criticism from fans and artists in the past, including grunge rock band Pearl Jam, which filed an antimonopoly complaint with the US Department of Justice in the 1990s.

The trial brought several key witnesses to the stand, including Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, who testified about the company’s response to a cyberattack that caused issues with ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s concert in 2022. The verdict could lead to further sanctions, including court orders requiring the companies to divest themselves of certain entities, such as venues.

A joint letter proposing a schedule for motions and remedies will be delivered by late next week, according to the judge’s instructions to both parties and the US government.

Source: Al Jazeera