Washington: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), along with seven US states, has filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation, accusing the entertainment giant of illegal ticket resale practices that cost consumers millions of dollars.
According to regulators, the companies coordinated with brokers who purchased tickets in bulk, thereby bypassing the purchase limits set by artists. These tickets were then resold at steep mark-ups on Ticketmaster’s own resale platform, generating an estimated $3.7 billion in fees between 2019 and 2024.
The FTC alleged that Live Nation and Ticketmaster turned a blind eye to violations of consumer protection laws, profiting from a ‘tacit agreement’ with professional resellers. It also accused the company of misleading advertising by promoting lower ticket prices than what customers ultimately paid.
FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson stated that, “American live entertainment is the best in the world and should be accessible to all of us. It should not cost an arm and a leg to take the family to a baseball game or attend your favorite musician’s show.”
Ticketmaster and Live Nation, which dominate nearly 80 percent of ticket sales at major US concert venues, have long faced criticism over pricing and practices. The scrutiny intensified in 2022 when a failed rollout of tickets for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour sparked public outrage.
The lawsuit adds to mounting legal troubles for the company. In a separate case, the US Department of Justice has accused Live Nation of using monopolistic tactics to stifle competition, inflate prices, and act as a ‘gatekeeper’ in the live entertainment industry. Earlier this year, a judge rejected Live Nation’s attempt to dismiss those antitrust claims.
Live Nation Entertainment was formed in 2010 through the merger of concert promoter Live Nation and ticketing firm Ticketmaster. The company, which also owns venues and organises events, has not yet commented on the latest allegations.
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