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ARTICLE · 05 MAY 2026

States Win Antitrust Case Against Live Nation: Lessons From A Landmark Antitrust Case

Duane Morris LLP
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A federal jury found Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster guilty of violating antitrust laws through monopolistic practices in the live entertainment industry.

United StatesAntitrust/Competition Law
Sean P. McConnell
Sean P. McConnell
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On April 15, 2026, a federal jury found that Live Nation Entertainment and its Ticketmaster subsidiary violated federal and state antitrust laws. The verdict holds critical lessons for any business relying on vertical integration, exclusive contracts, or data-driven strategies.

The jury concluded that Live Nation unlawfully monopolized multiple live entertainment markets by leveraging its dominant position in concert promotion, venue ownership, and ticketing to foreclose competition. Key evidence showed Ticketmaster controls approximately 86% of primary ticketing at major concert venues, while Live Nation's promotion arm handles roughly 70%. Internal communications—including references to using a “velvet hammer” against competitors and exerting power over concert-goers by “robbing them blind”—proved particularly damaging.

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