The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now suing Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation. The lawsuit takes on their predatory and huge secondary market resale practices. The suit, filed amid ongoing scrutiny of Live Nation’s business practices, highlights concerns about the companies’ significant influence over the live entertainment industry.
After all, Ticketmaster holds a near monopolistic 80% market share of ticket sales for the top 400 concert venues. This dominance has opened the lid on criticism from consumers and industry observers alike. Pressure increased dramatically following a tragic 2022 derailment. Ticketmaster experienced massive website meltdowns when they released tickets to Taylor Swift’s much-expected Eras Tour. Many fans were unable to purchase tickets, leading to widespread frustration and drawing attention to the company’s dominance in the market.
The FTC alleges that Ticketmaster and Live Nation employed illegal ticket resale tactics that have cost consumers millions of dollars. This lawsuit is a major step forward in a long-standing fight for equity and justice in the world of live entertainment.
Accessibility to American live entertainment—which Chair of the FTC Andrew Ferguson called an “essential civil right, in fact”—is absolutely necessary.
“American live entertainment is the best in the world and should be accessible to all of us,” – Andrew Ferguson, FTC chair
The new allegations follow a ruling earlier this year by an Atlanta judge that rejected Live Nation’s bid, on antitrust grounds, to dismiss claims. The company’s business practices came under renewed scrutiny after a recent public relations disaster sparked by the chaos around Taylor Swift ticket sales. Even former Attorney General Merrick Garland called on the courts to break up Live Nation. Yet he still managed to raise the alarm about the company’s significant commercial market power and concerning discriminatory business practices.
“It should not cost an arm and a leg to take the family to a baseball game or attend your favorite musician’s show.” – Andrew Ferguson, FTC chair
These allegations are indeed quite serious, but despite requests for comment Ticketmaster and Live Nation weren’t talking. They too chose to lay low in the face of the impending FTC lawsuit. The ongoing legal battles highlight a growing concern about corporate practices within the live entertainment industry and the implications for consumers.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, both Ticketmaster and Live Nation did not respond immediately to requests for comment regarding the FTC’s lawsuit. The ongoing legal battles highlight a growing concern about corporate practices within the live entertainment industry and the implications for consumers.