DOJ and 30 state AGs file antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster

The Department of Justice, joined by 30 state attorneys general and the District of Columbia, files a sweeping antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster in federal court in New York. The complaint alleges Live Nation illegally monopolizes the live concert industry by controlling ticketing, venue management, concert promotion, and artist management, a 70%+ market share in major amphitheater promotions and exclusive contracts with 265 venues. Attorney General Merrick Garland says "it is time to break it up." The case was filed by the Biden administration's antitrust division led by Jonathan Kanter and represents the most aggressive antitrust action in the entertainment industry in decades. The trial begins in March 2026 and a jury finds Live Nation liable.