A jury has found that Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws by unlawfully maintaining and abusing their monopoly power in the live entertainment industry. In a verdict delivered after a five-week trial, the coalition of 34 attorneys general, led by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, successfully proved that the companies engaged in anticompetitive conduct that eliminated competition, suppressed rival ticketing services, venue operators, and promoters, and resulted in higher ticket prices for fans across the country.

The jury determined that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintains a monopoly in primary ticketing services for major concert venues, that Live Nation holds a monopoly in the market for large amphitheaters, and that Live Nation illegally forces artists using its amphitheaters to also use its concert promotion services. These practices were found to have overcharged consumers and harmed artists, venues, and the broader live events ecosystem.

Attorney General Skrmetti hailed the bipartisan victory, stating that Live Nation and Ticketmaster have “ripped off consumers for decades” and are now being held accountable as an illegal monopoly. A separate bench trial will now determine remedies, which could include significant financial penalties and structural changes—potentially including a breakup of the company, the first such antitrust remedy in over 40 years.

The original lawsuit was filed in May 2024 by the U.S. Department of Justice and a large group of states. While the DOJ reached a settlement with Live Nation during the trial that began on March 2, 2026, the 33-state coalition (now 34 including Tennessee in the win) rejected it and continued litigating to secure the liability verdict.