Manhattan Jury Finds Live Nation Operated Illegal Monopoly, Threatens Breakup

A Manhattan federal jury found Live Nation liable for operating as an illegal monopoly.

“20 Minutes with AFP Published April 16, 2026 at 01:43 • Updated April 16, 2026 at 01:57 It was a long-awaited verdict”

20 Minutes

The jury determined that concertgoers paid an extra $1.72 per ticket as a direct result of Live Nation's anti-competitive practices.

20 Minutes

The ruling came despite a tentative settlement the DOJ had reached with Live Nation just weeks earlier.

34 of the attorneys general pressed forward against the settlement.

Judge Subramanian still has to determine remedies at a later date.

Internal Slack messages surfaced during the trial showing Live Nation employees joking about taking advantage of customers.

An employee said, 'These people are so stupid, I almost feel bad taking advantage of them BAHAHAHAHAHA.'

American Economic Liberties Project

Live Nation argued these remarks represented off-the-cuff banter, not policy.

Rapino disavowed the exchange during his testimony, saying it’s disgusting.

The DOJ reached a settlement with Live Nation, but 34 states refused to sign on.

“I was going to write about a brewing and important revolt in Hollywood against the Paramount deal, but just now, a jury in New York City ruled on state and Federal charges that Live Nation/Ticketmaster is an illegal monopolist”

BIG by Matt Stoller

The jury found in favor of the states on every claim.

The states pushed for a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta called the decision a historic and resounding victory.

Judge Subramanian will decide the appropriate remedy.

The jury's damages finding applies to a limited number of tickets.

Business Insider

Live Nation said it remains confident the ultimate outcome will not be materially different than the DOJ settlement.

The company is expected to appeal the ruling.

The verdict caps off the most significant effort yet to rein in the company.