TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A New York jury on Thursday found Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, illegally monopolized major parts of the United States live events market.
The entertainment giant hosts tens of thousands of concerts a year and has been the world's leading ticket seller since 2010.
The ruling will not bring immediate relief for frustrated concertgoers, but it could cost Live Nation hundreds of millions of dollars and force venue selloffs when penalties are imposed.
Live Nation said in a statement that the verdict "is not the last word on this matter."
What did the jury say about Ticketmaster?
The lawsuit, brought under former President Joe Biden after complaints from concertgoers, accused Live Nation of stifling competition by blocking venues from using multiple ticket sellers. Days into the trial, the Trump administration moved to settle its claims. Some states joined the proposed $280 million (€238 million) deal, pending court approval, but more than 30 continued the case.
Jurors concluded Live Nation abused its market power in ticketing for more than 200 major venues and dozens of large amphitheaters, tying access to its venues to use of its promotion services.
"A jury found what we have long known to be true: Live Nation and Ticketmaster are breaking the law and costing consumers millions of dollars in the process," New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the decision "a historic and resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them."
Live Nation was also found to have overcharged for tickets sold to consumers from May 2020 through 2024, according to Bonta.
Penalties have not yet been decided, but states are expected to seek damages and possibly a forced sale of Ticketmaster.
How the Ticketmaster verdict could affect concertgoers
Live Nation said potential damages are under $350 million and argued the outcome would not differ materially from the settlement it reached with the Justice Department in March.
That settlement required Live Nation to open its ticketing platform to competitors and allow other promoters to stage events at certain Live Nation venues, Justice Department officials said.
The verdict could force Live Nation to sell some of its concert venues when the judge imposes penalties later.
"Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand," Live Nation said.
The US Federal Trade Commission has filed a separate case against Ticketmaster, alleging deceptive ticket resale practices.
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