Twenty-one states that joined a broader antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation are asking a federal court to review the Department of Justice's proposed settlement, arguing it is not in the public interest. The states cite the Tunney Act, which requires oversight of antitrust settlements, and contend the deal is insufficient to meaningfully increase competition. The settlement, reached in March, would create a $280 million fund for impacted states, divest 13 exclusive booking agreements, cap fees at 15% of face value, and open events to competing ticket platforms, but it does not require Live Nation to divest Ticketmaster. The states continued their separate lawsuit, and after a six-week trial Live Nation was found guilty of monopolizing the market for ticket services, concert ticketing, venues, and promotions. The DOJ-Live Nation settlement is under a 60-day public comment period ending September 4, 2026.
Live Nation Entertainment IncStates challenge DOJ settlement, seeking stricter antitrust remedies; Live Nation found guilty of monopolization.