State AGs Continue Live Nation Antitrust Lawsuit
Summary
Massachusetts and 26 other states, led by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, will continue their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. This action proceeds despite the US Department of Justice's separate settlement with the companies, aiming to address alleged monopolistic practices in the live entertainment industry.
What changed
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, joined by 26 other state Attorneys General, has affirmed their commitment to continuing their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. This decision comes despite the U.S. Department of Justice's announcement of a separate settlement with the companies. The states allege that Live Nation has engaged in monopolistic practices, including forcing exclusive ticketing agreements, threatening venues, acquiring competitors, and manipulating the market, which they claim leads to higher prices, reduced competition, and less innovation for consumers, artists, and venues.
The coalition of states is seeking remedies that may include the divestiture of Ticketmaster. This ongoing litigation signifies a continued effort by state authorities to challenge Live Nation's market dominance in the live entertainment sector, distinct from the DOJ's resolution. Regulated entities and market participants should be aware that this lawsuit aims to impose significant structural changes and accountability on Live Nation and Ticketmaster, potentially impacting industry practices and market dynamics.
What to do next
- Monitor developments in the ongoing state antitrust litigation against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
- Assess potential impacts of continued litigation on ticketing and venue agreements.
Source document (simplified)
- This page, AG Campbell Vows To Continue Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation Despite DOJ Settlement, is offered by
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Press Release
Press Release AG Campbell Vows To Continue Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation Despite DOJ Settlement
Massachusetts and 26 Other States Will Continue to Pursue Case in Court to Protect Consumers, Venues and Artists
For immediate release: 3/09/2026
- Office of the Attorney General
Media Contact
Sydney Weiser, Press Secretary
Phone
Call Sydney Weiser, Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543
Online
Email Sydney Weiser, Press Secretary at sydney.weiser@mass.gov
BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell today released the following statement affirming her commitment to continue her office’s ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, despite the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)’s announcement today that it will settle its case.
“For years, Live Nation’s illegal monopoly has driven up prices, squeezed out competition, and left consumers with few choices and little recourse. The DOJ’s settlement falls far short of protecting consumers, artists, and venues from the harms that Live Nation and Ticketmaster have caused,” said AG Campbell. “As Attorney General, my job is to uphold the law and protect Massachusetts residents from companies that rig the market against consumers. That’s why I’ll continue to pursue litigation against Live Nation and keep fighting to protect consumers, restore competition, and hold Live Nation accountable for its illegal behavior.”
In 2024, AG Campbell joined the DOJ and a bipartisan coalition of 39 other attorneys general in suing Live Nation and Ticketmaster for monopolizing the live entertainment industry, resulting in higher fees to consumers, fewer choices, and less innovation in the live entertainment industry. In their lawsuit, the coalition alleged that Live Nation and Ticketmaster:
- Forced venues to agree to restrictive long-term agreements that require these venues to exclusively use Ticketmaster for ticketing;
- Threatened that venues would lose access to Live Nation-controlled tours and artists if they sign with a ticketer that is not Ticketmaster;
- Used its extensive network of amphitheaters to coerce artists into selecting Live Nation as a promoter instead of its rivals;
- Threatened rival promoters to attempt to prevent their entry into the United States market; and
- Serially and strategically acquired promoters, venues, and festivals to eliminate competition in the live entertainment industry. Live Nation owns or controls more than 265 concert venues in North America, including House of Blues Boston, MGM Music Hall in Fenway, Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston, and Xfinity Center in Mansfield. It conducts the majority of concert promotions across the country, manage more than 400 musical artists, and, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ticketmaster, controls roughly 80% or more of major concert venues’ primary ticketing for concerts.
AG Campbell will continue to litigate her case against Live Nation and advocate for the complete divestiture of Ticketmaster alongside the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, 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.
Media Contact
Sydney Weiser, Press Secretary
+
Phone
Call Sydney Weiser, Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543
Online
Email Sydney Weiser, Press Secretary at sydney.weiser@mass.gov
Office of the Attorney General
The Attorney General is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Media Contact
Sydney Weiser, Press Secretary
Phone
Call Sydney Weiser, Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543
Online
Email Sydney Weiser, Press Secretary at sydney.weiser@mass.gov
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