Attorney General Jason Miyares has joined the Department of Justice and a bipartisan coalition of 30 states in filing a lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster LLC, for alleged antitrust violations. The lawsuit claims that Live Nation and Ticketmaster have monopolized significant portions of the live entertainment industry through control over ticketing and venues.
The coalition argues that Live Nation has maintained its monopoly by locking up venues with restrictive long-term agreements and threatening to withdraw access to Live Nation-controlled tours if venues partner with rival ticketing companies. Additionally, it is alleged that Live Nation leverages its network of amphitheaters to compel artists to choose it as their promoter over competitors, thereby maintaining its dominance in promotions.
According to the lawsuit, these practices have resulted in higher fees, reduced transparency, fewer consumer choices, and hindered innovation within the industry. The plaintiffs are seeking a divestiture of Ticketmaster, civil penalties for Virginia, and other forms of relief.
The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. States joining Virginia in this legal action include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, 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 Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming