Jury Finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster Liable in Major Antitrust Trial

State of MD - A lawsuit against Live Nation was won today by Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and a coalition of 33 state attorneys general. A jury determined that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws. Competition was eliminated by the companies, and costs were driven up for fans, artists, and venues across the country.

The five-week trial concluded with the jury finding that monopoly power was unlawfully maintained and abused by Live Nation and Ticketmaster. Other ticketing services, venue owners, and concert promoters were prevented from competing successfully. Consequently, higher prices are charged to fans for tickets.

"For years, Live Nation and Ticketmaster exploited their monopoly power at the expense of fans, artists, and competing venues," said Attorney General Brown. "Today's historic verdict holds this company accountable under the law, and we will continue fighting to secure the full relief that live music fans, artists, and venues in Maryland deserve."

The initial lawsuit was filed in May 2024 by Attorney General Brown, a coalition of 40 states, and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). It was alleged that almost every aspect of the live event business was controlled by Live Nation, allowing the company to raise costs and suppress competition.

During the trial, which began on March 2, 2026, a settlement was reached between the DOJ and Live Nation. However, this settlement was rejected by Attorney General Brown and 33 states, and litigation was continued.

Anticompetitive conduct was confirmed by the jury. It was found that a monopoly in the market for ticketing services at major concert venues is unlawfully maintained by Ticketmaster.

Furthermore, a monopoly in the market for large amphitheaters is held by Live Nation. Artists utilizing these owned amphitheaters are unlawfully required to use Live Nation's event promotion services.

It was also determined by the jury that fans have been overcharged for concert tickets at major venues nationwide.

Following the liability verdict, remedies and financial penalties will be argued by Attorney General Brown and the coalition. This will occur at a separate bench trial, which has not yet been scheduled.