10 more states join DOJ antitrust case against Live Nation, Ticketmaster

Ten more states have joined the Department of Justice (DOJ) antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation, the agency announced Monday. 

The attorneys general of Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah and Vermont signed on to the case, joining 29 other states and the District of Columbia. 

The lawsuit, which was initially filed in May, accused the ticketing companies of blocking competition in the live entertainment industry, depriving U.S. music fans of ticketing innovation and forcing them to pay more than fans in other countries. 

“When companies like Live Nation and Ticketmaster form monopolies, Americans are left to pay the price,” Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird (R) said in a statement. “I am suing to uphold the law and ensure that no American has to grapple with inflated prices or poor customer service because Live Nation and Ticketmaster have stifled competition.” 

The DOJ filed an amended complaint with its 10 new co-plaintiffs Monday in the Southern District of New York. 

“Joining this litigation reaffirms our commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring a level playing field in the marketplace,” New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez (D) said in a statement. “The monopolistic practices of Live Nation-Ticketmaster have harmed not only the live entertainment industry but also the countless fans who deserve fair access to events.” 

The ticketing companies came under intense scrutiny after Ticketmaster suffered a meltdown during presale for Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” in 2022, preventing many fans from purchasing tickets. 

“There is nothing new in the Amended Complaint — the lawsuit still won’t solve the issues fans care about relating to ticket prices, service fees, and access to in-demand shows,” a Live Nation spokesperson said. “We look forward to sharing more facts as the case progresses.”

Updated at 3:09 p.m. E.T.