US Jury Rules Live Nation and Ticketmaster Operate a Monopoly
US jury finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster subsidiary operated monopoly
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
A Manhattan federal jury has determined that Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster maintain a harmful monopoly over major concert venues, impacting ticket prices for consumers. The ruling follows a lawsuit initiated by multiple US states, accusing the company of stifling competition in the live entertainment industry.
- 01The jury found Live Nation and Ticketmaster to operate a monopoly in the live entertainment market.
- 02Live Nation controls 86% of the concert market and 73% of the overall market including sports events.
- 03The lawsuit was initiated by the US federal government and multiple states, seeking accountability for anti-competitive practices.
- 04Live Nation's CEO, Michael Rapino, testified regarding the company's controversial ticketing practices.
- 05The trial revealed internal communications indicating a disregard for customer pricing concerns.
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A federal jury in Manhattan has ruled that Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster have established a monopolistic hold over the concert and live event ticketing market. The jury deliberated for four days before concluding that the company’s practices have harmed competition and driven up prices for consumers. Live Nation currently controls 86% of the concert market and 73% of the overall market, which includes sports events. The lawsuit, originally led by the federal government, accused Live Nation of anti-competitive behavior, such as preventing venues from utilizing multiple ticket sellers. Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney representing the states, described Live Nation as a “monopolistic bully.” In contrast, Live Nation’s legal team argued that the company’s market position results from its success and excellence. During the trial, CEO Michael Rapino was questioned about the company’s past controversies, including the ticketing issues surrounding Taylor Swift's concert in 2022. Internal messages from a Live Nation executive, which referred to customers as “so stupid” and discussed outrageous pricing, were also presented, highlighting potential ethical concerns within the company. Despite a prior settlement that included some concessions, many states felt it did not go far enough, leading them to continue with the trial.
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This ruling could lead to lower ticket prices and increased competition in the live entertainment market, benefiting consumers.
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