DOJ and Live Nation Strike Antitrust Deal as States Press Separate Suits

Overview

• The proposed settlement would require Live Nation to sell up to 13 amphitheaters, prohibit retaliation against venues that refuse Ticketmaster, and require Ticketmaster to offer a stand‑alone product that lets third‑party ticketing platforms connect.
• The agreement contemplates payments of up to $280 million to resolve state claims, pending individual state decisions, a public comment period, and judicial approval.
• New York and numerous other states declined to join the deal and will continue litigation, saying the proposal fails to address what they call Live Nation’s monopoly.
• U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian paused the New York trial to let states proceed without the DOJ and criticized the parties over the timing of the agreement, with jurors instructed to return on March 16.
• Live Nation disputes the monopoly allegations and has argued in court filings that the government presented little evidence of monopolistic conduct.