Overview
- A Manhattan jury, which returned its verdict Wednesday, found Live Nation and Ticketmaster ran illegal monopolies at major concert venues and overcharged fans by $1.72 per ticket.
- The case now moves to a remedies phase before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who will set damages and craft orders to prevent future abuses.
- More than 30 states and Washington, D.C., drove the case to verdict after rejecting a mid‑trial Justice Department deal that offered limited divestitures, fee caps, and oversight.
- States are preparing to seek steep penalties and structural changes, with reports of damages targets up to $700 million, while Live Nation reserved $280 million and signaled plans to appeal.
- Jurors heard internal messages bragging about “robbing” fans and saw evidence that access to some amphitheaters required hiring Live Nation’s promoters, developments that could lead to lower fees and more ticketing options as rivals gain room to compete.