ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – A federal jury has found concert giant Live Nation and its ticketing subsidiary Ticketmaster maintained a harmful monopoly over major concert venues, dealing a blow to the companies in a closely watched lawsuit brought by dozens of U.S. states.
The Manhattan jury deliberated for four days before reaching its decision Wednesday. The civil case accused Live Nation of using its dominance in the live entertainment industry to shut out competitors and limit choices for venues and consumers.
Live Nation Entertainment owns or operates hundreds of venues nationwide, or holds booking control or ownership stakes in them. Its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, is widely considered the world’s largest ticket seller for live events.
Attorneys for the states argued Live Nation blocked venues from working with multiple ticketing companies, ultimately driving up costs for concertgoers. Lawyers for Live Nation countered that the company’s size reflects business success, not illegal behavior, and said artists and venues determine ticket prices.
The case has drawn national attention because of Ticketmaster’s role in high‑profile ticket sales, including the widely criticized rollout of Taylor Swift concert tickets in 2022. During the trial, internal company messages referencing high prices and customer frustration were introduced as evidence. A Live Nation executive testified the messages were inappropriate.
While the lawsuit originated with the U.S. Department of Justice, the federal government reached a settlement with Live Nation earlier this year under the Trump administration. That agreement places limits on service fees at some amphitheaters and expands ticket‑selling options for venues, but it does not require Ticketmaster and Live Nation to split. More than 30 states declined to join the settlement and continued the case, leading to this jury verdict.
In New Mexico, the decision could have long‑term effects on large concert venues and ticket buyers. Major venues in Albuquerque and other parts of the state frequently rely on Live Nation‑produced tours and Ticketmaster ticketing systems to bring in national acts. Supporters of the lawsuit argue increased competition could give venues more flexibility and potentially expand ticket‑buying options for fans.
For now, there are no immediate changes to how tickets are sold in New Mexico. Any impact will depend on what penalties or reforms follow the jury’s decision and whether additional legal action is taken.
