The Live Nation/Ticketmaster Case: Sherman Act Claims, Remedies, Deal Risks, and Case Strategies

This course will examine the high-profile antitrust litigation against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, focusing on the jury's findings on monopolization, exclusive dealing, tying, and the evolving role of state attorneys general in major enforcement actions. Analyzing the case from complaint through verdict, remedies, and potential appeal, the faculty will share practical lessons for framing, proving, and defending Sherman Act claims in future antitrust disputes, deal assessments, and merger reviews.

This program will examine the high-profile antitrust litigation brought by a state coalition and the District of Columbia against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and Ticketmaster L.L.C. involving the live concert industry. After the Department of Justice (DOJ) settled with six plaintiff AGs, the remaining 33 states, including D.C., proceeded to verdict, where a federal jury found in favor of plaintiffs on their monopolization and tying claims.

The verdict—now subject to post-trial motions and potentially appeal—raises questions about how "ecosystem control" theories will fare before the courts, and what role state attorneys general will play in future antitrust enforcement actions.

During this course our faculty will walk through the plaintiffs' core theories, including Sherman Act monopolization, exclusive dealing, and tying, and trace the litigation from complaint through the recent jury verdict, the remedies phase now underway, and a potential appeal.

Through this analysis the faculty will teach attendees how monopolization and related vertical-restraint theories should be framed, proven, and defended as applied to an actual matter; (2) share practical lessons for litigating and defending these claims through trial and post-trial proceedings; and (3) examine the evolving role of state attorneys general as antitrust enforcers, including their willingness to carry major cases forward independently of federal authorities.

Listen as our authoritative panel analyzes the Live Nation/Ticketmaster verdict, explains its implications for Sherman Act enforcement and state AG litigation strategy, and offers practical guidance for litigating, defending, and assessing antitrust risk in future disputes.