Attorney General Mayes Joins Federal Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation

PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes joined the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and a bipartisan coalition of 29 states and the District of Columbia in filing an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., which owns Ticketmaster, alleging that the companies have illegally monopolized the live entertainment industry, increasing the prices Arizonans pay for live shows.
 
"For years, Live Nation's anti-competitive and monopolistic practices have resulted in Arizonans paying more to see their favorite artists than they otherwise would have," said Attorney General Mayes. "The uncompetitive live entertainment market created by Live Nation has also left artists and venues without any real choice but to use Live Nation. This lack of competition hurts everyone, from fans to performers – and it's time to hold Live Nation accountable for its violations of the law."
 
In the lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, the DOJ, 29 states and the District of Columbia allege that Lives Nation has:

  • Harmed fans through higher fees and limited the amount of information fans have regarding the ultimate cost to see a show. Fans’ ticketing experience—from buying a ticket to showtime—is also worse than it would be if the industry was competitive.
  • Maintained its monopoly in ticketing markets by locking up venues through restrictive long-term, exclusive agreements and threats that venues will lose access to Live Nation-controlled tours and artists if they sign with a rival ticketing company.
  • Leveraged its extensive network of venues to force artists to select Live Nation as a promoter instead of its rivals, maintaining its promotions monopoly.  

The lawsuit asks the court to restore competition in the live entertainment industry by:

  • Prohibiting Live Nation from engaging in its anticompetitive practices.
  • Ordering Live Nation to divest Ticketmaster.

In filing this suit, Attorney General Mayes joins the DOJ and the attorneys general of Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.