antitrust
Live Nation settles DOJ antitrust lawsuit without Ticketmaster divestiture amid state opposition
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Live Nation reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in a long-running antitrust lawsuit, avoiding a breakup with Ticketmaster but agreeing to operational changes, including amphitheater divestments and opening ticketing to competitors. The deal, announced during trial on March 9, 2026, drew criticism from several state attorneys general who plan to continue separate litigation.
Stephen Parker, head of the National Independent Venue Association, urged structural remedies including a full Live Nation-Ticketmaster breakup following the April jury verdict finding the companies liable for monopolization and unlawful tying. He argued past behavioral fixes failed and called for promotion caps, artist management divestitures, and a long-term firewall.