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NY, NJ keep pushing lawsuit to break up Ticketmaster owner Live Nation
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Mar 9, 2026
Modified Mar 9, 2026
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Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Mar 9, 2026
Modified Mar 9, 2026
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New York’s and New Jersey’s attorneys general say they reject the U.S. Department of Justice’s tentative deal with Live Nation, and will press ahead with a lawsuit aimed at breaking up the Ticketmaster owner as an illegal monopoly.
Both attorney general offices were among the original plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which federal prosecutors and several states filed in Manhattan federal court in May 2024 during President Joe Biden’s administration. It accused Ticketmaster and parent Live Nation of monopolizing the live music industry at the expense of competitors, artists and consumers.
The settlement announced Monday, which depends on court approval, would require Live Nation to pay a fine of up to $280 million and end exclusive booking agreements at at least 13 amphitheaters across the country, according to the Associated Press.
In a statement on Monday, New York Attorney General Letitia James said the settlement “fails to address the monopoly at the center of this case” and vowed to continue to sue Live Nation without the federal government. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, who took over that office with the start of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration this year, echoed the sentiment in her own statement.
“We will keep fighting this case without the federal government so that we can secure justice for all those harmed by Live Nation’s monopoly,” James said.
Live Nation has denied the suit's allegations that it runs a monopoly. According to a statement released by Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino, the company is agreeing to cap ticketing service fees at 15% as part of the deal.
The attorneys general cited more than two dozen states that said they would continue with the case.
“The settlement recently announced does not adequately remedy the harms to the marketplace for live music and to concertgoers caused by Live Nation,” Davenport said. “We are willing and able to stand with other partner states to continue litigating this case without the federal government so that we can hold Live Nation accountable in court and secure appropriate relief in this case.”
The lawsuit accused Live Nation of monopolizing virtually every aspect of the live music industry, from concert promotion to venue ownership, crushing competition and driving up costs for fans.
Ticketmaster handles ticket sales for some of New York and New Jersey’s most prominent venues, including events at Madison Square Garden and MetLife Stadium.
Correction: An earlier version of this story said the proposed settlement would require Live Nation to divest itself of at least 13 amphitheaters. The agreement would instead end exclusive booking arrangements at those venues. This story has been updated.
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