Utah AG Continues Live Nation/Ticketmaster Antitrust Lawsuit

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown confirmed the state will continue its antitrust litigation against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, despite a recent settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. Utah is part of a bipartisan coalition alleging the companies illegally monopolize the live entertainment industry, leading to higher prices and limited competition for consumers.

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What changed

Utah's Attorney General's office has announced its continued pursuit of litigation against Live Nation and Ticketmaster for alleged monopolistic practices in the live entertainment industry. This action proceeds independently of a recent settlement reached by the U.S. Department of Justice, indicating Utah's commitment, alongside a coalition of 38 other states and the District of Columbia, to address concerns over inflated ticket prices, excessive fees, and limited competition.

The lawsuit, which commenced jury trial last week in the Southern District of New York, alleges that Live Nation and Ticketmaster have used their dominant market position to stifle competition through unfair practices such as acquiring rivals, tying services, and enforcing long-term venue contracts. The state aims to restore competitive fairness and protect Utah consumers who have allegedly been harmed by these practices, with the trial expected to continue for several more weeks.

What to do next

Monitor ongoing litigation in the Southern District of New York
Assess impact of potential outcomes on ticketing and venue contracts

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General Derek Brown to continue case against Live Nation/Ticketmaster for illegally monopolizing the live entertainment industry

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Attorney General Derek Brown confirmed that Utah will continue to pursue litigation over Live Nation and Ticketmaster monopoly despite the settlement announced by the U.S. Department of Justice on Monday. Utah is part of a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general working to ensure competition is restored for fans, performers, and local businesses.

“For years, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have made it harder for Utahns to see the artists they love by driving up ticket prices and squeezing out the competition. As Utah’s Attorney General, I’m committed to securing the best outcome possible for Utah consumers who have been forced to pay too much at Live Nation and Ticketmaster venues,” said Attorney General Derek Brown.

Utah joined the U.S. Department of Justice and 38 other states in a lawsuit against Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster, alleging the companies used their dominance in the live entertainment industry to drive up prices and limit competition. Utah argues that:

- Live Nation holds a dominant position across the music and concert industry, including artist management, concert promotion, venue ownership, and ticketing.

- The company is accused of using unfair practices to maintain that dominance.

- These practices include buying rivals, tying artists’ use of promotion services to amphitheaters, and locking venues into long-term contracts that block competition.

- The result has been higher ticket prices, numerous additional fees, and fewer affordable, transparent ticket options for Utah families.

Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s monopoly has impacted fans across Utah. Utahns spent $400.4 million on live entertainment in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

The jury trial commenced last week and was scheduled to continue for another four weeks in the Southern District of New York. The Office of the Attorney General remains committed to restoring competitive fairness and protecting fans.

States joining Utah in this litigation include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.