FTC’s Landmark Lawsuit Against Live Nation, Ticketmaster Continues to Unfold
FTC’s Landmark Lawsuit Against Live Nation, Ticketmaster Continues to Unfold
More than a year after its initial filing, the Federal Trade Commission’s significant lawsuit against Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, remains a focal point in the live entertainment industry. Filed on a Thursday in 2024, the complaint alleges that the ticketing giant engages in illegal resale tactics, misleads consumers on ticket pricing, and collaborates with scalpers to inflate resale costs, ultimately harming artists and music fans alike. States including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia are co-plaintiffs in the ongoing legal battle.
FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson previously stated the aim is to ensure American live entertainment is accessible and affordable. The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, outlines three primary illegal practices. Among them, the FTC cites a ‘bait and switch’ approach, where initial ticket prices deceptively rise by 30% or more due to hidden fees during checkout. It also accuses Ticketmaster of knowingly enabling scalpers to bypass ticket limits, violating the Better Online Ticket Sales Act, and profiting from a ‘triple dipping’ fee structure on both primary and secondary markets. This ongoing legal challenge, following a 2024 antitrust lawsuit by the Department of Justice, seeks to address the company’s alleged monopolistic control over ticketing, promotion, and venue management.
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