Saint Paul, Minnesota – Attorney General Keith Ellison announced on March 9, 2026, that Minnesota will continue its antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, despite a recent settlement reached between Live Nation and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Concerns Over Live Nation’s Market Dominance
According to Ellison, Live Nation has worked to eliminate competition in the live event ticketing market, becoming “virtually the only game in town.” He stated this monopoly has resulted in increased ticket prices for Minnesotans, negatively impacted artists, and created challenges for music venues.
Ellison expressed dissatisfaction with the Department of Justice’s settlement, arguing it would not adequately address the harms experienced by concert-goers, artists, and venues. He affirmed his commitment to pursuing the litigation alongside a coalition of other state attorneys general.
Multi-State Effort to Continue Litigation
Minnesota is joined in continuing the lawsuit by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Latest Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
A possible next step is for the coalition of attorneys general to present their case in court, seeking remedies to restore competition to the live music marketplace. It’s too likely that Live Nation will defend its business practices and the legality of its market position. The outcome of the litigation could influence future ticket prices and the overall structure of the live event industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core issue in the lawsuit against Live Nation?
The lawsuit alleges that Live Nation illegally monopolized the live entertainment industry and concert ticketing services, driving out competition and harming consumers, artists, and venues.
Why is Minnesota continuing the lawsuit when the DOJ has reached a settlement?
Attorney General Keith Ellison believes the Department of Justice’s settlement does not adequately address the harms caused by Live Nation’s alleged monopoly and is committed to pursuing a stronger outcome for Minnesotans.
Which other states are joining Minnesota in this legal action?
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming are joining Minnesota in continuing the lawsuit.
As the legal proceedings unfold, will this multi-state effort be enough to challenge the dominance of Live Nation in the live entertainment market?
Worth a look