A federal jury found Live Nation-Ticketmaster violated antitrust laws by overcharging consumers $1.72 per ticket, a verdict the company says it will challenge through legal motions and appeals.
The damages award applies only to tickets sold at 257 venues, representing about 20 percent of total sales, which Live Nation argues limits the financial impact compared to its earlier $280 million settlement with the Justice Department.
Live Nation plans to renew a motion for the judge to rule in its favor as a matter of law, claiming the states failed to prove their case, and is awaiting a decision on a separate motion to strike the testimony of one expert witness whose analysis influenced the jury’s damages calculation.
Live Nation cites DOJ settlement as benchmark for expected outcome
The company says it remains confident the final result will not differ materially from the terms of its settlement with the Justice Department and several states, which included commitments to change business practices and financial penalties.
Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to rule on the final damages total and other potential relief, including structural changes to the company, after separate proceedings on the outstanding motions conclude.
This verdict echoes earlier antitrust scrutiny of ticketing monopolies
The last time a major ticketing firm faced similar antitrust findings was in 2010, when Ticketmaster’s merger with Live Nation was approved only after concessions to address competition concerns, a precedent that now faces renewed legal test.
What specific legal steps is Live Nation taking after the verdict?
Live Nation plans to renew a motion for judgment as a matter of law and is awaiting a ruling on a motion to strike the testimony of one of the states’ expert witnesses, although preparing to appeal any unfavorable outcomes.
How does the jury’s damages award compare to Live Nation’s prior settlement?
The jury’s award is based on 257 venues and about 20 percent of total tickets, while Live Nation notes its $280 million settlement with the Justice Department and several states may ultimately exceed the sum derived from the verdict.
