politics
March 10, 2026
US blindsides states with surprise settlement in Live Nation/Ticketmaster trial
States seek mistrial, saying “sudden disappearance” of US will influence jury.
TL;DR
- The Trump administration settled with Live Nation and Ticketmaster, surprising state attorneys general involved in the antitrust trial.
- 27 states and the District of Columbia are continuing the lawsuit without the US government and have requested a mistrial.
- The states argue the US's withdrawal from the case prejudices the jury and their claims of Live Nation's monopoly.
- The settlement includes a $280 million penalty, changes to ticketing deals with venues, and allows artists to use other promoters.
- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell stated the settlement "falls far short" of protecting consumers and venues.
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