A federal jury in Manhattan has ruled that Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster held a harmful monopoly over large concert venues, resulting in a loss for the company in a lawsuit brought by multiple U.S. states. The jury deliberated for four days before reaching their decision, which was seen as a significant victory for antitrust law.

Jeffrey Kessler, a lawyer representing the states, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting the impact of the ruling on the live entertainment industry. The judge instructed both parties to submit a joint letter outlining the schedule for motions and the next steps in the case.

During the trial, Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino testified about various issues, including the 2022 Taylor Swift ticketing incident, where Ticketmaster faced technical challenges due to overwhelming demand. Internal messages from a Live Nation executive were also revealed, showing derogatory comments about customers and pricing strategies.

Live Nation Entertainment, which owns numerous venues and controls Ticketmaster, emphasized that the recent ruling is not final and indicated plans to challenge it through motions and potential appeals. The jury found Ticketmaster had overcharged consumers in several states, leading to potential financial penalties and divestment requirements for the companies.

The civil case, initially led by the U.S. federal government, accused Live Nation of stifling competition by restricting venues from working with multiple ticket sellers. Despite Live Nation’s defense that it is not a monopoly, the jury’s decision reflected concerns about its market dominance.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta hailed the ruling as a significant victory for artists, fans, and venues, noting the importance of state intervention in antitrust cases. The states involved in the lawsuit expressed commitment to pursuing remedies to address the alleged monopolistic practices of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

As the legal proceedings continue, the focus shifts to potential outcomes and damages, with discussions about potential remedies such as a breakup of Live Nation’s operations. The states involved in the case celebrated the ruling as a win for consumers and a testament to their efforts in combating antitrust violations.