A U.S. District Judge in Los Angeles certified a class‑action lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and its Ticketmaster subsidiary, allowing the case to proceed against consumers who purchased tickets directly from the companies or their affiliates since 2010. The ruling, issued on December 12, 2025, confirms that the plaintiffs’ allegations of overcharging and anti‑competitive practices meet the court’s criteria for class certification.
The lawsuit, filed in 2022, accuses Live Nation and Ticketmaster of secretly allocating primary tickets to brokers through “ticket banks,” forcing brokers to sell exclusively on Ticketmaster’s resale platform, and imposing fees that can inflate ticket prices by 20% to 80% above face value. Live Nation had previously urged the judge to deny class certification, arguing that individualized issues would make a single trial impossible. The court rejected that argument, noting that the plaintiffs’ claims are common to all class members and that the alleged conduct is pervasive across the industry.
The decision carries substantial legal and reputational risk. If the plaintiffs prevail, Live Nation could face billions in damages, with potential tripling under federal antitrust statutes. The ruling also strengthens the plaintiffs’ leverage in settlement negotiations and signals intensified scrutiny from regulators, potentially affecting the company’s ability to secure exclusive venue contracts and maintain its dominant market position.
This class action is part of a broader antitrust agenda that includes a May 2024 lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice seeking to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster, as well as a Federal Trade Commission suit alleging deceptive resale tactics. The cumulative effect of these actions could reshape the live‑event market, forcing the company to alter its pricing, distribution, and partnership strategies to mitigate regulatory exposure.
Live Nation and Ticketmaster have denied wrongdoing. In a statement, the companies said they remain confident in their business model and that the lawsuit is “unfounded.” No management quotes were provided in the court filing, but the companies’ legal teams emphasized that the alleged practices are not unique to their operations and that they are committed to fair competition. The ruling does not yet determine liability, but it sets the stage for a potentially costly and high‑profile litigation battle that could influence the companies’ future strategy and market perception.
No immediate market reaction data were available in the fact‑check report, so the article does not speculate on investor or analyst responses. The focus remains on the legal implications and the broader regulatory context that could affect Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s long‑term competitive position.
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