A federal jury in New York found on Wednesday that Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster operated an illegal monopoly over the ticketing market for major concert venues.
Why it matters: The verdict opens the door to a court-ordered breakup of America’s dominant live entertainment company, a move that could reshape how fans buy concert tickets and how artists book tours.
The verdict
Jurors deliberated after five weeks of trial that featured dozens of witnesses. They found that Live Nation strong-armed concert venues into using Ticketmaster by tying access to Live Nation’s roster of artists to exclusive ticketing deals.
The jury determined Ticketmaster overcharged concertgoers in plaintiff states by $1.72 per ticket at major venues. Attorneys general from multiple states brought the case.
The DOJ problem
The ruling undercuts a Department of Justice settlement reached last month, reportedly ordered by President Donald Trump. Under that deal, Live Nation agreed to pay a $280 million fine and make structural changes to its business, including caps on certain service fees.
Senators have already called on the presiding judge to scrutinise the settlement’s terms in light of the jury’s findings.
What happens next
U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian will decide on remedies. Options include forcing Live Nation to divest Ticketmaster, selling off amphitheatres the company owns, or imposing additional monetary damages.
The remaining plaintiff states received a liability finding and will proceed to a separate remedies trial.
Live Nation shares fell more than 3% in after-hours trading following the verdict.