Ken Paxton
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) announced that Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and its subsidiary Ticketmaster LLC have been found liable for monopolizing multiple markets in the live entertainment and ticketing industry.
The verdict stems from a multistate antitrust lawsuit filed in 2024, in which Texas joined other states in challenging Live Nation's market dominance following the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
"No corporation should be allowed to monopolize an industry illegally, but that is exactly what Live Nation has done with its anticompetitive scheme to control concert prices and take advantage of fans, venues, and music artists," said Paxton.
According to Paxton's office, the company used its control over ticket sales, venue management, and concert promotion to squeeze out competition and increase costs for consumers.
State officials alleged Live Nation forced venues into exclusive contracts under threat of retaliation and used its influence over venues and ticketing to pressure artists into restrictive promotional agreements.
The lawsuit also claimed the company's dominance reduced consumer choice while driving up ticket prices through excessive and hidden fees.
Now a federal court in New York has ruled the company liable, marking a major victory for the states pursuing the case. Remedies and penalties, including structural changes to the business, will be decided in a later phase of litigation.
Texas and the coalition are seeking restitution for affected states, civil penalties, and a breakup of Live Nation's monopolies in ticketing and related entertainment markets.
"We will continue to pursue every possible remedy under the law to hold the company accountable, secure civil penalties, and restore fairness in the live entertainment industry," said Paxton.
This case is one of the most significant antitrust challenges in the entertainment sector in years. It comes amid growing public frustration over ticket fees, limited access to major events, and industry consolidation.
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