NC Attorney General joins Live Nation lawsuit claiming illegal monopoly
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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has joined a lawsuit accusing two major live event ticketing companies of a monopoly.
The U.S. Department of Justice and a bipartisan coalition of 30 states have filed an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster alleging that the companies have illegally monopolized the live entertainment industry, which has increased prices for live shows.
“Live Nation is using its monopoly power to force North Carolinians to pay more than they should for tickets to live events,” said Stein. “Tickets to shows are already expensive enough. I will not allow any company to use its monopoly power to charge people even more. That’s why I am bringing today’s action.”
The lawsuit claims Live Nation has:
Harmed fans through higher fees and by limiting 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 would lose access to Live Nation-controlled tours and artists if they sign with a rival ticketer.
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 and ordering Live Nation to divest Ticketmaster.
Stein launched his investigation into Ticketmaster in Nov. 2022.
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