D.C. Rejects Live Nation Settlement, AG Vows to Continue Antitrust Fight Over Ticketmaster

March 9, 2026

Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has announced the District will continue its antitrust case against Live Nation Entertainment, rejecting the federal settlement as insufficient to address monopolistic practices in the live entertainment industry. The lawsuit, initially filed in May 2024 by a coalition of state attorneys general and federal officials, accuses Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster of illegally monopolizing concert ticketing, promotions, and venue access. While the Justice Department reached a $200 million settlement that includes restrictions on exclusive ticketing contracts and fee caps, D.C. and multiple states argue these measures fail to adequately remedy anti-competitive behavior.

Who is affected

Concert fans and ticket purchasers, particularly D.C. residents
Artists and performers
Live entertainment venues in D.C. (including Capital One Arena and smaller clubs/theaters)
Competing ticketing platforms and concert promoters
Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb and a bipartisan coalition of 26 state attorneys general (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming)

What action is being taken

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb and the state coalition are continuing to pursue the antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment in federal court
The coalition of states is litigating the case without the federal government
Court proceedings are ongoing, with the states having filed motions in federal court in New York requesting a mistrial and pause in proceedings

Why it matters

This case addresses allegations of illegal monopolization in the live entertainment industry that directly impacts ticket pricing, competition, and consumer choice. D.C. is particularly significant as it records more ticket sales per resident than any state, making it a major hub for concerts and touring events vital to the local economy and culture. Live Nation's alleged control of both ticketing services (through Ticketmaster) and concert promotion gives it dual leverage over artists, venues, and consumers, resulting in limited alternatives, higher prices, and reduced competition. The outcome could reshape the entire live entertainment industry and potentially restore competitive options for ticketing and concert promotion nationwide.

What's next

The District of Columbia will continue litigating the case in court
The state coalition is proceeding with the lawsuit without federal government participation
The states are seeking a new trial and additional preparation time following their mistrial motion
The coalition aims to secure "appropriate relief" through continued court proceedings to hold Live Nation accountable

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer