Utah’s Attorney General continues challenging Ticketmaster’s alleged monopoly post DOJ deal

Attorney General Derek Brown assured Utah won’t back down from pursuing litigation over Live Nation and Ticketmaster alleged monopoly, despite the U.S. Department of Justice’s settlement.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Attorney General Derek Brown assured Utah won’t back down from pursuing litigation over Live Nation and Ticketmaster alleged monopoly, despite the U.S. Department of Justice’s settlement.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the settlement against the ticket giants on Monday, but Utah’s Attorney General Derek Brown confirmed Utah will continue to fight against them Wednesday morning.

“For years, Live Nation and Ticketmaster have made it harder for Utahns to see the artists they love by driving up ticket prices and squeezing out the competition. As Utah’s Attorney General, I’m committed to securing the best outcome possible for Utah consumers who have been forced to pay too much at Live Nation and Ticketmaster venues,” Brown said.

Judge urges states to settle Live Nation claims after US strikes deal but states say no chance

Utah joined forces with the U.S. Department of Justice along with 38 other states to file a lawsuit against Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster. The states believe the companies dominated the live entertainment industry to skyrocket ticket prices and limit competition. Their dominance allegedly includes artist management, concert promotion, venue ownership, and ticketing.

Utah argues that Live Nation is using unfair practices to maintain dominance over the industry. Furthermore, the practices used by Live Nation allegedly include buying rivals, tying artists’ use of promotion services to amphitheaters and locking into long-term contracts with venues, which, in turn, blocks outside competition.

In response to the alleged unfair practices, the Office of the Attorney General says, “The result has been higher ticket prices, numerous additional fees, and fewer affordable, transparent ticket options for Utah families. “

Justice Dept. and Live Nation reach settlement over Ticketmaster illegal monopoly case

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Utah residents alone spent over $400 million on live entertainment in 2024.

The jury trial commenced last week and was scheduled to continue for another four weeks in the Southern District of New York. The Office of the Attorney General stresses their commitment to bring fairness and protection to industry fans within Utah.

States joining Utah in this litigation include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

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Source: Utah News