May 23, 2024 (DENVER) – Attorney General Phil Weiser joined the U.S. Department of Justice and other states today in filing an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., which owns Ticketmaster, alleging that the company has illegally monopolized the live entertainment industry, particularly ticketing services for concerts.
According to the federal lawsuit, Live Nation has inserted itself into nearly every aspect of the live music industry, including ticket sales, promotions, marketing, and venues. The lawsuit claims that Live Nation maintains its illegal monopoly through a web of agreements and other anticompetitive acts to make higher profits, stifle competition and innovation in the industry, and thereby harm concertgoers.
For example, Live Nation is accused of maintaining its anticompetitive monopoly in the sale and resale of tickets by locking up venues in Colorado and across the country through restrictive long-term exclusive agreements. It is also alleged that threats are made to venues about losing access to concert tours and artists if they sign with a rival ticketing company. Additionally, Live Nation reportedly leverages its extensive network of amphitheaters to force artists to select Live Nation as a promoter instead of its rivals. As a result, fans attending concerts at Live Nation-controlled amphitheaters have access to fewer shows and see fewer artists than they otherwise would. Artists are allegedly forced to go through Live Nation to reach music lovers even if they are dissatisfied with how Live Nation treats fans.
Weiser stated that due to limited competition faced by Live Nation, fans suffer by paying more for concerts and facing higher fees when purchasing tickets on primary and secondary markets through Ticketmaster. They also lose out on choice and innovation in the market.
“Ticketmaster is the dominant provider of ticketing services in the United States and both fans and artists face extraordinary pressure to use its monopoly,” stated Weiser. “As a result, fans are paying exorbitant prices. This lawsuit calls for opening up competition in ticketing services and preventing Live Nation from using its other assets in ways that undermine competition. It’s time to end Live Nation/Ticketmaster’s anticompetitive tactics and ironclad grip on this market.”
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It seeks to restore competition in the live entertainment industry by prohibiting Live Nation from engaging in its anticompetitive practices and ordering remedies such as divesting Ticketmaster.
Also joining the DOJ’s lawsuit are attorneys general from Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming and the District of Columbia.
Click here for a copy of the complaint.
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lawrence.pacheco@coag.gov