State AGs Continue Antitrust Case Against Live Nation

WA Attorney General News Releases

Filed March 9th, 2026

Detected March 10th, 2026

Summary

A coalition of 26 state Attorneys General announced they will continue their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster. The states are pursuing the case independently after a settlement with the federal government was deemed inadequate.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

This release details the decision by a coalition of 26 state Attorneys General to continue their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, owner of Ticketmaster. The states, alongside the U.S. Department of Justice, initially sued Live Nation in May 2024, alleging illegal monopolization of the live entertainment and concert ticketing industries. The states contend that Live Nation has used its monopoly power to harm consumers, stifle artists, and inflate ticket prices. They have opted to proceed with litigation independently, stating that the recently announced federal settlement does not adequately address the harms caused by Live Nation's alleged anti-competitive practices.

Regulated entities, particularly those in the live entertainment and ticketing sectors, should monitor this ongoing litigation. While this announcement does not impose immediate new compliance obligations, the states' commitment to litigating the case suggests a continued focus on antitrust enforcement in this industry. The outcome could lead to significant changes in market practices and potentially impact Live Nation's business operations and market share. The states are seeking to hold Live Nation accountable in court and secure appropriate relief for the marketplace and concertgoers.

What to do next

Monitor ongoing litigation regarding Live Nation and Ticketmaster's alleged monopolistic practices.
Assess potential impacts of antitrust enforcement trends on business operations within the live entertainment and ticketing sectors.

Source document (simplified)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Mar 9 2026

Attorney General Nick Brown released 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, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

A copy of the states' motion for mistrial and stay of current proceedings is available here .

-30-

Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Media Contact:

Email: press@atg.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 753-2727

General contacts: Click here

Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

News Releases 2026 News Releases 2025 News Releases 2024 News Releases 2023 News Releases 2022 News Releases 2021 News Releases 2020 News Releases 2019 News Releases 2018 News Releases 2017 News Releases 2016 News Releases 2015 News Releases 2014 News Releases 2013 News Releases 2012 News Releases 2011 News Releases 2010 News Releases 2009 News Releases 2008 News Releases 2007 News Releases 2006 News Releases 2005 News Releases 2004 News Releases 2003 News Releases 2002 News Releases 2001 News Releases 2000 News Releases 1999 News Releases 1998 News Releases 1997 News Releases 1996