A federal jury in New York ruled Wednesday that Live Nation, the concert giant that owns Ticketmaster, violated federal and state antitrust laws by operating as a monopoly in the live music industry.
The verdict, reached after four days of deliberations, marks a major win for the government and 34 states that brought the case. It could trigger significant remedies, including possible divestitures or even a forced breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian will now determine the appropriate remedies in a separate proceeding. The Department of Justice had sought a breakup when it filed the lawsuit nearly two years ago, a remedy Live Nation is expected to fight aggressively. The company will also face monetary damages. The jury found that Ticketmaster overcharged consumers by an average of $1.72 per ticket, with the final damages amount to be set by the judge.
The company also rejected claims that it pressured venues into exclusive Ticketmaster contracts by threatening to withhold major concert tours.
“We are fierce competitors,” Live Nation lawyer David R. Marriott told the jury in closing arguments. “We are trying to win the business.”
The decision could reshape the live entertainment industry, potentially affecting ticket prices, artist touring, and venue operations nationwide.