US Live Nation and Ticketmaster verdict triggers calls for Australian investigation into ticketing rules

A US court found Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for monopolistic practices, leading to calls for an Australian investigation into ticketing rules. The New York jury determined the companies stifled competition, resulting in excessive profits from concertgoers since 2010. An independent promoter estimates Australians pay around A$10 in unnecessary fees per ticket. This verdict has renewed pressure on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to intervene and for the government to act on recommendations from a March 2025 parliamentary inquiry. The inquiry suggested monitoring the music industry for anti-competitive conduct and improving ticket fee transparency. The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) believes the US outcome highlights the need for a similar investigation in Australia.

A US jury found Live Nation, owner of Ticketmaster, liable for violating federal and state antitrust laws, determining the company held an illegal monopoly. The verdict, reached after four days of deliberation, holds Live Nation and Ticketmaster accountable for anticompetitive conduct that harmed the music industry and overcharged consumers. The case, brought forth by a coalition of states, including California, alleged Live Nation abused its market power. Remedies following the verdict could include breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster. California's attorney general stated the verdict is a victory for artists, fans, and venues, and demonstrates the power of states to protect residents from corporate abuse.

A New York jury found Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster guilty of maintaining an anticompetitive monopoly over major concert venues. The verdict, reached after a four-day deliberation, stems from a lawsuit brought by dozens of US states alleging that Live Nation stifled competition and inflated ticket prices. The case, initially led by the US federal government, accused Live Nation of leveraging its extensive reach to prevent venues from using multiple ticket sellers. The ruling could cost Live Nation hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharged ticket fees and potential penalties. The judge has instructed both sides to propose a schedule for motions and the remedies phase, which could include court orders for divestiture of venues.

A US jury in Manhattan found Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary operated a monopoly over major concert venues, siding with claims brought by dozens of US states. The civil case, initially led by the US federal government, accused Live Nation of stifling competition and driving up ticket prices. The jury determined Ticketmaster overcharged buyers by $1.72 per ticket, though the total damages are yet to be decided by the judge. Live Nation, which merged with Ticketmaster in 2010, controls a significant portion of the live entertainment market. The company plans to appeal the ruling, maintaining that its success is not a violation of antitrust laws.

A federal jury found Live Nation, owner of Ticketmaster, illegally operated as a monopoly and overcharged fans. The US Department of Justice filed the lawsuit in May 2024, alleging Live Nation's practices stifled competition, leading to higher ticket prices and poor customer service. The jury determined Ticketmaster overcharged customers $1.72 per ticket, which will be used to calculate damages. Judge Arun Subramanian will decide potential remedies, including forcing Live Nation to divest parts of its business or split from Ticketmaster. Live Nation argued it is not a monopoly and faces strong competition. The DOJ reached a settlement with both companies in the case in March.