Jury finds Live Nation/Ticketmaster an illegal monopoly that overcharged fans
Following a lengthy trial during which the Trump administration settled and withdrew from the case, 33 US states and the District of Columbia have persevered in their coalition and won a conviction against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. On April 15, 2026, a federal jury ruled that Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster operate an illegal monopoly that overcharges fans for tickets. My previous reporting on this case details the specific allegations found in the original complaint.
New York Attorney General responds
An announcement from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James reports that a jury found that “Ticketmaster unlawfully maintains a monopoly in the market for ticketing services at major concert venues” and that “Live Nation has a monopoly in the market for large amphitheaters used by artists”. Additionally the jury determined “that Live Nation unlawfully requires artists who use the amphitheaters it owns to also use its event promotion services,” and “that fans have been overcharged for concert tickets at major concert venues across the country”.
As reported by Ars Technica, trial evidence showed scathing documentation from a Live Nation regional director boasting of gouging ticket buyers and “robbing them blind”.
A breakup of Live Nation is possible
With a conviction secured, this case now proceeds to a bench trial, where both parties will argue for remedies and financial penalties in front of United States District Judge Arun Subramanian. A breakup of the Live Nation monopoly is a possibility, though financial damages are another potential remedy for consumers.
Live Nation responds
Live Nation has responded by issuing a statement saying that “the jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter”.
Artists, fans, and performers alike will be watching this case during the remedy phase, and should take note of the power this organized response has had in driving positive change across the creative industries.
