10 More States Join DOJ's Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation, Expanding to 40 State Coalition
Ten additional states have joined the Department of Justice's antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, bringing the total number of state plaintiffs to 40, including Washington, D.C. The DOJ has filed an amended complaint that expands on its original allegations of anticompetitive practices.
The new 167-page complaint (up from 128 pages) includes several key expansions:
- More detailed analysis of Live Nation's alleged anticompetitive relationship with Oak View Group
- Further examination of how Ticketmaster's features potentially inhibit competition
- Additional evidence of claimed consumer harm through non-negotiable fees and lack of pricing options
- New visual resources and details about agreements, including the 2018 deal with 313 Presents (though much is redacted)
The newly joined states are:
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
Concert crowd at Live Nation event
Live Nation responded to the amended complaint, stating there is "nothing new" and that the lawsuit "won't solve the issues fans care about relating to ticket prices, service fees, and access to in-demand shows."
Concert stage with bright lighting
Despite the legal challenges, Live Nation's stock (NYSE: LYV) remains strong, trading at $96.53 per share - up 1.4% on the day, 5.4% over five trading days, and nearly 15% year-over-year.
US Department of Justice building exterior
Michael Rapino in black shirt