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States Push to Break Up Live Nation and Ticketmaster After Monopoly Verdict

By  |  May 25, 2026
Non-Self-Enforcing Remedies and the Recent Modification to the Ticketmaster/Live Nation Merger Consent Decree

A coalition of more than 30 state attorneys general, including Arizona, is urging a court to dismantle Live Nation and Ticketmaster following a jury verdict last month that found the companies maintained an illegal monopoly in the live entertainment industry.

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    According to a statement filed Thursday, the states are asking the court to require Live Nation to divest Ticketmaster and sell off a “sufficient number” of large amphitheaters owned by the company. The attorneys general also want restrictions placed on the company’s future business practices involving ticketing and concert promotion.

    Per a statement, the coalition is seeking limits on exclusive ticketing agreements and asking the court to prohibit enforcement of certain exclusivity clauses contained in Ticketmaster’s previous contracts. The proposed remedies would also restrict Live Nation from tying venue access to the use of its promotion services.

    State officials argue the measures are necessary after the jury concluded the companies engaged in anticompetitive behavior that harmed consumers, artists and businesses throughout the live entertainment market.

    Related: States Push for Breakup of Live Nation-Ticketmaster After Monopoly Verdict

    “A jury found Live Nation manipulated the market, hurt artists, fans, and businesses nationwide, all while getting richer — not because it is better, but because it acted illegally. Now, it’s time to ensure they can’t hurt consumers or the live ticketing industry again,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement.

    “Today, alongside a bipartisan coalition, I asked the court to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster,” he continued. “It is vital that we secure strong structural remedies that prevent Live Nation’s anticompetitive conduct from continuing. As evidence in our trial clearly showed, we cannot trust this behemoth of a company to do the right thing by consumers.”

    The proposed settlement requests are viewed as setting a minimum threshold for penalties and structural changes that states believe are needed to address the companies’ market dominance. Live Nation and Ticketmaster have faced mounting scrutiny in recent years over ticket prices, service fees and control over concert venues and ticket distribution.

    Source: Biz Journal