NJ Joins 28 Other States in Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation

NEW JERSEY - Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined the Department of Justice and a bipartisan coalition of 28 states and the District of Columbia in filing an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., the parent company of Ticketmaster. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that Live Nation has illegally monopolized the live entertainment industry since its acquisition of Ticketmaster in 2010.

“For decades, New Jersey has long enjoyed a vibrant music scene—from jazz in Newark to rock on the Jersey Shore—and both fans and artists have been hurt by the complicated business web Live Nation has built since it purchased Ticketmaster in 2010,” said Attorney General Platkin. “It shouldn’t cost thousands of dollars to take your family to see live music, to introduce your children to your favorite artists. Today, New Jersey is proud to stand with a large group of states on behalf of consumers everywhere who are tired of fee schemes that lead to exorbitant pricing and rob them of these experiences.”

The lawsuit alleges multiple violations of the federal Sherman Act and the New Jersey Antitrust Act. It seeks to dismantle Live Nation's monopoly by ordering the divestiture of Ticketmaster. The complaint highlights how Live Nation’s $22 billion business model allows it to extract revenues as an intermediary at every stage of the live event process and to double-dip across multiple business lines, such as ticketing and promotion. This practice inflates fees and revenue, harming both fans and artists.

In New Jersey, Live Nation manages ticketing services at major venues including MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, Prudential Center in Newark, PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, and Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden. The gross value of primary ticket sales in New Jersey, also known as Gross Ticket Value (GTV), is approximately $994.83 million, while the face value of these tickets is around $781.17 million.

The DOJ and the states allege that Live Nation:

• Maintains its anticompetitive monopoly by locking up venues through long-term exclusive agreements and threats of losing access to Live Nation-controlled tours and artists if they partner with rival ticketing companies.
• Leverages its network of amphitheaters to force artists to select Live Nation as a promoter, thereby maintaining its monopoly on promotions.
• Harms fans with higher fees, lack of transparency, fewer consumer choices, and stifled innovation.

The lawsuit calls for the court to:

• Prohibit Live Nation from continuing its anticompetitive practices.
• Order the divestiture of Ticketmaster.
• Seek equitable monetary relief to address Live Nation’s unlawful conduct.

New Jersey’s active involvement in this significant antitrust action follows a long history of holding companies accountable for antitrust violations. The state has been involved in actions against major technology corporations, including Apple, Amazon, and Google, as well as in various industries such as airlines, retail, labor, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

To enhance its capacity for robust antitrust enforcement, New Jersey recently announced the creation of a new Antitrust Litigation and Competition Enforcement Section within the Division of Law. Deputy Attorney General and Assistant Section Chief of Antitrust Isabella R. Pitt and Deputy Attorney General Yale A. Leber are representing New Jersey in this case under the supervision of Assistant Attorney General Brian F. McDonough.

This lawsuit reflects a broad effort to restore competition in the live entertainment industry, ultimately aiming to benefit consumers and artists by reducing ticket prices and increasing market transparency.

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