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Live Nation Monopolized Ticket Sales, Jury Says. The Stock Is Sinking. -- Barrons.com

Dow Jones
Apr 16

By Kit Norton

Live Nation Entertainment shares fell Wednesday afternoon after a jury found the compay, and its subsidiary Ticketmaster, held a monopoly over ticket sales for major live entertainment events.

A Manhattan federal jury reached its verdict in the civil antitrust case on its fourth day of deliberation after a five week trial.

Live Nation stock sank 5.1% to $157.79 on Wednesday afternoon. Shares remain up 11% so far this year.

The antitrust case was first brought in 2024 by the Justice Department and numerous state attorneys general. The government sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster, alleging the company maintained an illegal monopoly over the live entertainment industry.

The government wanted Live Nation to divest itself from Ticketmaster years after the two merged in 2010.

Live Nation has a broad reach over the live entertainment industry, owning or controlling bookings for hundreds of venues. Subsidiary Ticketmaster is also a global ticket selling platform.

The company has denied allegations that it has been involved in antitrust behavior. Live Nation Entertainment didn't immediately respond to request for comment from Barron's.

In March, Live Nation settled its antitrust suit with President Donald Trump's Justice Department just days after the almost two-year-old antitrust case went to trial. The agreement included a 15% cap on service fees for event organizers, and limits long-term exclusivity contracts used by Ticketmaster when partnering with venues. However, the settlement allowed Live Nation to avoid a breakup with Ticketmaster and retain the high-value subsidiary.

While many states joined the Department of Justice in that settlement, more than 30 pushed forward with the trial, leading to Wednesday's jury verdict.

Write to Kit Norton at kit.norton@barrons.com

This content was created by Barron's, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. Barron's is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 15, 2026 16:02 ET (20:02 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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