United States of America: Department of Justice filed lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment for alleged abuse of market power

On 23 May 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ), joined by 29 states and the District of Columbia, filed a lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ticketmaster, for alleged abuse of market power. The plaintiffs allege that Live Nation maintains its dominant market position through unlawful, anti-competitive conduct to exercise monopolistic control over the live events industry in the United States. The DOJ alleges that the actions resulted in higher fees, fewer opportunities for artists to perform, reduced competition, and fewer choices for ticketing services. Specifically, it is alleged that Live Nation-Ticketmaster locks out competition through long-term, exclusive ticketing contracts with venues that can last over a decade. With exclusive agreements covering more than 70% of concert ticket sales at major venues nationwide, Ticketmaster is able to impose high fees on fans. Furthermore, Live Nation Entertainment is accused of eliminating competition through acquisitions of smaller regional promoters and venues, threats and retaliation, and agreements with rivals designed to neutralise them.