Attorney General Raoul Coalition Wins Antitrust Trial Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster

CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of 33 other state attorneys general won their lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster on April 15 after a jury found the companies violated federal and state antitrust laws by unlawfully maintaining monopoly power that reduced competition and increased costs for fans, artists, and venues. After a five week trial, jurors determined that Ticketmaster holds an illegal monopoly in primary ticketing services at major concert venues and large amphitheaters and that Live Nation uses its control of venues and promotion services to require artists to use its related businesses, limiting competition in the live entertainment market. The jury also found that fans were overcharged for concert tickets nationwide due to the companies’ conduct. Raoul said the decision marks a step toward restoring competition and addressing unfair pricing in the live entertainment industry, while noting that Illinois consumers were among those impacted by higher fees. The coalition will next seek remedies and financial penalties in a separate proceeding following the liability verdict.