Live Nation-Ticketmaster Antitrust Penalties Not Likely Before 2027

US District Judge Arun Subramanian has said he’s unlikely to hear arguments on whether to break up Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster until early 2027.

Some context:

• In April, a New York City federal jury found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster were liable for antitrust violations.

• The trial’s second phase – focused on financial penalties and potential structural remedies – will proceed as a separate bench trial before Judge Subramanian and could run into next Spring.

• As per Courthouse News Service, a coalition of 33 states and the District of Columbia are pushing for a full structural separation of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

• Other potential remedies include mandatory multi-vendor ticketing access, fee caps, open-platform requirements, and licensing requirements for ticketing technology, as per the same outlet.

Tunney Act review:

• In addition to the above, Judge Subramanian will preside over a Tunney Act fairness review regarding the Justice Department’s tentative antitrust settlement with Live Nation in March.

• Enacted in 1974, the Tunney Act requires federal courts to review Department of Justice civil antitrust settlements to ensure they are in the public’s interest.

• Judge Subramanian expects to have a decision by mid-September or October.