New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a legal victory in the ongoing case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. A judge denied Live Nation's partial motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was filed by Attorney General James, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and a coalition of 40 attorneys general in May 2024. The lawsuit accuses Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster of using their market power to overcharge consumers, limit artists' venue options, and restrict venues from working with other ticketing vendors.
Attorney General James stated, "It’s time to end the Era of Live Nation’s excessive market power, which has left fans seeing Red after being forced to pay high ticket prices." She emphasized that the decision allows for continued pursuit of the case against what she describes as "the Mayhem of Live Nation’s anticompetitive tactics."
Live Nation operates numerous venues across the United States, including major locations like Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall in New York. The company is involved in various aspects of live events, from production to ticket sales through Ticketmaster, which controls nearly 80 percent of the ticketing industry. This control allegedly limits competition and increases costs for consumers.
The lawsuit argues that due to Live Nation's practices:
- Fans face higher fees and limited ticket purchasing options.
- Artists have fewer opportunities for performances and concert promotion.
- Venues are restricted in obtaining concerts and ticketing services.
Judge Arun Subramanian issued the ruling in the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit seeks disgorgement, civil penalties, and an end to anticompetitive conduct by Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
Joining Attorney General James and DOJ are attorneys general from 39 states and Washington D.C., covering regions from Arizona to Wyoming.
In New York, this case is managed by Senior Enforcement Counsel Bryan Bloom along with Assistant Attorneys General Jeremy Kasha and Benjamin Cole under supervision from Deputy Bureau Chief Amy McFarlane and Bureau Chief Elinor Hoffmann. They are part of the Antitrust Bureau within the Division of Economic Justice led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo.