Live Nation Entertainment has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice in the antitrust case that had threatened to break up the company from its subsidiary Ticketmaster, according to reports in the Wall Street Journal and Politico, citing three people familiar with the matter. One report says the deal, which is expected to be announced later Monday, will require Live Nation to pay approximately $200 million in damages to the 40 states participating in the suit.
Reps for the company did not immediately respond to Variety’s requests for comment.
At the center of the settlement is a series of “structural changes” to Ticketmaster’s business that includes opening elements of its platform to rival companies, alongside new limits on venue exclusivity contracts — a central part of the lawsuit, according to the reports. The deal would also require the firm to divest more than 10 amphitheaters, and includes a cap on service fees at Live Nation amphitheaters.
About 10 states of the 39 states involved in the lawsuit so far have agreed to the framework of the settlmement, one source told the Journal. Other state attorneys general are unlikely to settle and may continue to litigate separately. New York Attorney General Letitia James said last month that she would continue the case “regardless of the path that the Department of Justice takes.” A Justice Department reportedly told the paper that the deal will provide relief to consumers and others faster than going through trial.
The government filed its lawsuit in 2024 during the Biden administration; approximately 40 states also sued the company. The cases continued into President Trump’s inauguration, although top leaders of the DOJ were fired and a settlement appeared likely even as the trial moved forward last week, over repeated requests from Live Nation for a settlement.
