A bipartisan coalition exceeding two dozen US states, including New York, California, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, and Kansas, refused to endorse the Department of Justice’s proposed settlement with Live Nation Entertainment, opting to pursue their antitrust lawsuit against the ticketing giant’s alleged monopoly.
States Slam Deal as Monopoly Giveaway
New York AG Letitia James declared the ~$200 million agreement fails to dismantle Live Nation’s control over venues, promotions, and Ticketmaster, harming fans and artists via exclusive deals; states like North Carolina called it a “terrible deal” hidden until the last moment. They vow to press claims from the 2024 Biden-era suit in Manhattan federal court despite DOJ’s push for multi-platform ticketing and eight-year oversight.
Court Chaos as Judge Blasts DOJ Tactics
Judge Arun Subramanian labeled the late Thursday term sheet disclosure “entirely unacceptable,” halting trial after jury selection and scheduling hearings with Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino and DOJ officials; states seek mistrial while at least 10 others back the deal promising consumer transparency. Live Nation welcomes steps empowering artists/venues without exclusivity reliance.
