Live Nation Agrees to Divest 13 Amphitheaters, Cap Ticket Fees at 15%
Live Nation settled its DOJ antitrust suit by divesting 13 exclusive amphitheater deals, capping ticket fees at 15%, allowing promoters to distribute 50% of tickets and extending its consent decree eight years. The pact carries no penalty, sets a $280 million state claims fund and preserves rights to support sponsorship-driven income.
1. Settlement Overview
Live Nation reached a comprehensive settlement that resolves all remaining antitrust claims by the U.S. Department of Justice without any admission of wrongdoing. A portion of the original lawsuit was dismissed before trial, and the final judgment will formalize the agreed terms.
2. Venue and Ticketing Remedies
Under the settlement, Live Nation will divest its 13 exclusive amphitheater booking agreements while continuing to operate those venues as open sites. Promoters may now distribute up to 50% of tickets, Ticketmaster will cap service fees at 15%, and it will offer both exclusive and non-exclusive ticketing proposals.
3. Consent Decree Extensions and Financial Provisions
The agreement extends Live Nation’s existing consent decree by eight years, including anti-retaliation and conditioning terms. There is no monetary penalty, but the company has created a $280 million fund to address state damage claims arising from the lawsuit.