Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation Proceeds After Dismissal Bid Fails
Live Nation Entertainment Inc. faces an antitrust trial following a ruling by US District Judge Arun Subramanian. The judge denied the company’s request to dismiss the case stemming from allegations by the US Justice Department (DOJ) and several states. This lawsuit claims the company monopolizes the live events market, potentially impacting its Ticketmaster division.
Trial Details
A jury is scheduled to hear the case beginning March 2. The DOJ asserts that Live Nation improperly ties its amphitheater usage to concert promotion services, allowing it to monopolize the ticketing market. In his ruling, Judge Subramanian emphasized that evidence supports these allegations.
Claims and Rejections
- The court allowed claims related to ticketing monopolization.
- Claims regarding concert promotion monopolization were dismissed.
- The judge noted that Live Nation’s arguments about market competitiveness were exaggerated.
Despite the dismissal of concert promotion claims, Live Nation’s influence in the promotions sector remains a critical part of the government’s case. The DOJ believes that both ticketing and concert promotions work together to establish dominance in the live music industry.
Background of Live Nation
Live Nation operates over 265 concert venues across North America and manages more than 400 artists. The DOJ contends that the company holds 87% of the concert ticketing market through Ticketmaster and commands over 65% of the concert promotion market.
Responses from Live Nation and Officials
Live Nation expressed relief at the dismissal of key claims but maintains that the company will prevail in the lawsuit. A spokesperson stated, “With those claims gone, we see no basis for breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James, however, is eager to proceed to trial. She criticized Live Nation for allegedly exploiting its monopoly to raise costs and fees in the live events sector. “Regardless of the path that the Department of Justice takes, my office will continue this case,” she emphasized.
The case is officially titled US v. Live Nation Entertainment, under docket number 24-cv-03973 in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.
