Jury finds Live Nation/Ticketmaster illegal monopoly

A federal jury has determined that Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster operate as an illegal monopoly, overcharging consumers for concert tickets. The ruling, supported by 33 states and the District of Columbia, found Ticketmaster unlawfully maintained a monopoly in ticketing services for major venues and Live Nation in the market for large amphitheaters. Evidence presented during the five-week trial indicated Ticketmaster overcharged states by approximately $1.72 per ticket, with internal communications suggesting the company intentionally gouged buyers. While the jury found Live Nation unlawfully tied its venue ownership to its promotion services, the judge will determine financial damages and potential remedies, which could include a significant breakup of the company.