Rhode Island AG Joins Multistate Antitrust Case Against Live Nation

AG: Rhode Island Press Releases

Filed March 9th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, as part of a multistate coalition, has vowed to continue the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. The coalition seeks to address alleged monopolization of the live entertainment industry, stating a recently announced settlement does not adequately remedy market harms.

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What changed

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, alongside a bipartisan group of state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice, is continuing an antitrust case against Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster. The lawsuit alleges Live Nation illegally monopolizes the live entertainment and concert ticketing industries, stifling competition, increasing ticket prices, and harming consumers and artists. The coalition has stated that a recently announced settlement does not sufficiently address the market harms and has committed to litigating the case independently of the federal government to ensure accountability and secure appropriate relief.

This action signals a continued commitment by state antitrust enforcers to challenge alleged monopolistic practices in the live entertainment sector. Regulated entities, particularly those in the ticketing and live event industries, should be aware of the ongoing scrutiny and potential for further enforcement actions. While no specific compliance deadline or penalty is detailed in this press release, the commitment to litigation implies potential for significant remedies, including divestitures or substantial fines, should the coalition prevail. Companies should review their market practices for potential antitrust concerns.

What to do next

Review internal practices for potential antitrust violations related to market monopolization.
Monitor ongoing litigation and potential outcomes of the Live Nation antitrust case.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General Neronha, coalition vow to continue case against Live Nation for illegally monopolizing live entertainment industry

Published on Monday, March 09, 2026

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today joined the following multistate statement regarding the ongoing antitrust case against Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, for illegally monopolizing the live entertainment industry and concert ticketing services:

“In May 2024, a bipartisan group of state attorneys general joined the U.S. Department of Justice to sue Live Nation for monopolizing the market for ticketing and using its monopoly power in the concert venue market to reinforce and protect that monopoly. For too long, Live Nation has raked in billions from a monopoly that has made it harder for consumers to see the artists they love, stifled artists, and increased the price of tickets for countless music fans.

“The case against Live Nation is strong, and the state coalition is committed to holding the company accountable for its illegal behavior, protecting consumers, and restoring competition to this market. The settlement recently announced does not adequately remedy the harms to the marketplace for live music and to concertgoers caused by Live Nation. We are willing and able to stand with other partner states to continue litigating this case without the federal government so that we can hold Live Nation accountable in court and secure appropriate relief in this case.

“As state attorneys general and antitrust enforcers, we are fully committed to protecting our citizens from illegal monopolies and restoring competition to the live music marketplace.”

States continuing the case against Live Nation include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, as well as the District of Columbia.

Date

Mon, 03/09/2026 - 15:01