The verdict follows a seven-week New York trial and four days of deliberations, with penalties still to be determined.
A federal jury has concluded that Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, unlawfully maintained a monopoly in the live entertainment market. After four days of deliberations, jurors determined that the company has violated federal and state antitrust laws.
While the ruling establishes liability, the consequences for Live Nation have yet to be finalised. Potential penalties could include substantial financial damages or structural changes to the company, including a possible split from Ticketmaster. Live Nation acquired the ticketing platform in 2009.
Jurors found that Ticketmaster had overcharged customers by $1.72 (£1.27) per ticket over several years, a figure that is expected to serve as a baseline for calculating total damages.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed in May 2024 by the U.S. Department of Justice, which argued that the company’s practices suppressed competition, resulting in higher prices and reduced service quality. Although the Justice Department later reached a preliminary settlement with Live Nation – one which did not mandate a breakup of Ticketmaster and Live Nation, something it had initially called for – and withdrew from the trial, more than 30 states continued to pursue the case.
Public and political scrutiny intensified after high-profile ticketing issues during major tours, including widespread complaints tied to Taylor Swift’s 2022 Eras Tour.
“The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter,” Live Nation said in a statement following the April 15 decision. “Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand.”