Live Nation reaches settlement in US monopoly case
Written by laserteam on March 9, 2026
(BBC) – Live Nation, the concert giant that includes Ticketmaster, has reached a tentative settlement with the US Justice Department in an anti-trust case targeting its dominance of the live events industry.
The case was triggered by the chaotic ticket sale for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, which prompted the Justice Department to label Live Nation a monopoly that controlled virtually all live entertainment in the US.
During testimony last week, witnesses alleged the company had threatened to retaliate against concert venues if they did not use Ticketmaster’s services.
Under the deal, which is yet to be approved by a judge, Live Nation will allow businesses to use multiple vendors to sell tickets to fans.
In addition, the company will allow touring artists to hire other promoters when performing in its venues.
Live Nation will also divest up to 13 concert halls, and pay $280 million (£209 million) in damages to the nearly 40 states that were parties to the antitrust lawsuit against the California-based company.
If it proceeds, the outcome will be far less severe for Live Nation than the government’s initial plan to break up the company.
