Overview
- Former Barclays Center CEO John Abbamondi testified that Live Nation cut back concerts and a planned Billie Eilish date was moved after the arena switched from Ticketmaster to SeatGeek, though some statements were struck as hearsay.
- The Justice Department told jurors Live Nation-Ticketmaster holds roughly 86% of primary ticketing for major concert venues and uses five- to seven-year exclusive deals and threats to box out rivals.
- Live Nation’s counsel argued the market remains competitive, claimed ticketing share is closer to 40% with venues at 18%, and said Ticketmaster’s take rate is about 5% with no basis for damages.
- Prosecutors pointed to Ticketmaster’s 2022 Taylor Swift presale meltdown as evidence of underinvestment by a dominant firm, while the defense blamed bots and said the system recovered quickly.
- The six-week trial, brought with 39 states and D.C., could lead to structural relief if liability is found, and state plaintiffs are seeking reimbursement of ticket fees potentially totaling hundreds of millions.