A federal jury in Manhattan has ruled that Live Nation-Ticketmaster operates as an illegal monopoly, marking a significant victory for antitrust regulators. The verdict, delivered after days of deliberation, found the company liable on three counts: monopolizing the live event ticketing market, controlling amphitheaters, and unlawfully tying its concert promotions business to venue usage, Bloomberg reported.
The case, brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and multiple state attorneys general, accused Live Nation-Ticketmaster of stifling competition through exclusive contracts and predatory practices. Analysts note this could lead to major structural changes in the live events industry, which has long been dominated by the merged entity since its 2010 formation.
“This verdict confirms what consumers have known for years—Ticketmaster’s stranglehold on the market has led to higher prices and fewer choices,” said an antitrust expert familiar with the case. The company has denied wrongdoing, arguing its scale benefits artists and fans.
Legal observers suggest the ruling may prompt court-ordered divestitures or behavioral remedies. Shares of Live Nation fell 8% in after-hours trading following the decision, which comes amid heightened scrutiny of corporate consolidation across multiple industries.