South Dakota Live Nation/Ticketmaster Antitrust Settlement

AG: South Dakota Press Releases

Filed March 16th, 2026

Detected March 18th, 2026

Summary

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced a settlement with Live Nation and Ticketmaster for $677,920 in an antitrust suit. The settlement aims to improve competition and pricing for entertainment tickets in the state. This action is part of a larger multistate lawsuit.

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What changed

South Dakota has settled its portion of a multistate antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, agreeing to receive $677,920. The lawsuit alleged that Live Nation created an illegal monopoly, leading to increased costs for entertainment tickets. As part of the settlement, Live Nation is required to allow rival companies to list tickets on their platforms and will have its exclusive contracts with venues capped at four years.

This settlement is expected to improve competition and pricing for entertainment events in South Dakota. While this is a final settlement for the state, regulated entities, particularly those in the entertainment and ticketing industry, should be aware of the broader implications of this multistate action and the increased scrutiny on monopolistic practices. No specific compliance actions are required for South Dakota entities beyond understanding the new competitive landscape and potential venue contract limitations.

What to do next

Review venue contracts for exclusivity clauses exceeding four years.
Monitor competitive landscape in ticketing and event promotion.

Penalties

$677,920 settlement amount for South Dakota.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General Marty Jackley

A TTORNEY OFFICE OF THE
SOUTH DAKOTA G ENERAL

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Attorney General Jackley Announces South Dakota Live Nation, Ticketmaster Settlement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 16, 2026

Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces the state will receive $677,920 as part of the state’s settlement in the Live Nation and Ticketmaster anti-trust suit, and better entertainment ticket pricing with competition.

“Live Nation created an illegal monopoly that raised costs for entertainment in South Dakota shows. This settlement will improve entertainment pricing with competition,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I appreciate the U.S. Department of Justice and Attorney General Bondi for their leadership in this lawsuit.”

South Dakota was one of almost 40 states, plus Washington, D.C., that filed suit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which merged in 2010. The settlement requires Live Nation to let rival companies list show tickets on their platforms and caps exclusivity contracts with venues at four years.

Attorney General Jackley said South Dakota is one of several states to have formally settled its portion of the lawsuit.

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