Live Nation Approaches DOJ Agreement That Would Not Require Selling Ticketmaster

Live Nation Nears Resolution in Federal Antitrust Case

Live Nation Entertainment Inc. is reportedly on the verge of reaching a settlement in a federal antitrust case that accuses the company of dominating the live music sector through unlawful practices. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the potential agreement would not require Live Nation to sell its Ticketmaster division.

Negotiations have accelerated since the trial began on March 2, and an official announcement could come soon, though the timeline remains uncertain as discussions are ongoing.

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The Justice Department’s lawsuit, filed in 2024, aimed to force Live Nation to divest Ticketmaster as a remedy for alleged antitrust violations.

Neither the Justice Department nor Live Nation provided immediate comments when contacted outside regular business hours.

Some state attorneys general involved in the case are also expected to support the settlement, according to individuals familiar with the matter.

If the parties finalize a settlement, the ongoing trial in New York—which began last week and is expected to last several more weeks—could be paused. The process for continuing the trial for states not joining the settlement will be determined later. US District Judge Arun Subramanian, who is overseeing the proceedings, would also need to evaluate whether the proposed settlement serves the public interest.

As part of the proposed agreement, Ticketmaster would reduce its exclusive ticketing arrangements with concert venues and make certain changes regarding its use of amphitheaters, according to sources.

Live Nation has faced ongoing antitrust scrutiny since acquiring Ticketmaster in 2010—a merger approved by the Obama administration but later criticized by competitors, lawmakers, and fans as insufficient to protect competition.

The current lawsuit, initiated under the Biden administration, was brought to trial this month, following earlier scrutiny during the Trump administration as well.

The case alleges that Live Nation and Ticketmaster engaged in anticompetitive conduct, such as locking venues into long-term exclusive ticketing contracts and retaliating against venues and competitors who sought alternatives. The government also claims Live Nation has monopolized the market for large outdoor amphitheaters in the United States.

Reporting assistance by Josh Wingrove.

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