Antitrust Trial
Live Nation antitrust trial opens in New York with DOJ monopoly claims
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The U.S. Department of Justice opened its landmark antitrust trial against Live Nation on March 3, 2026, in New York federal court, accusing the company—which owns Ticketmaster—of maintaining an illegal monopoly in concert ticketing and promotion. Prosecutors detailed anticompetitive practices harming fans, artists, and venues, while Live Nation lawyers denied monopoly power in a competitive market. The case follows a May 2024 lawsuit amplified by the 2022 Ticketmaster crash during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour presale.
Live Nation's antitrust trial resumed after a partial DOJ settlement, featuring testimony from CEO Michael Rapino on March 19. Rapino defended the company against monopoly claims and addressed embarrassing Slack messages about high fees. States aim to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster.