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# 3 Live Music Industry Stories to Watch in Last Half of 2026
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/3-live-music-industry-stories-to-watch-in-last-half-of-2026/
- Published: 2026-07-23T12:14:57.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-23T12:14:57.000Z
- Description: There's always a lot going on in live music. But in the second half of 2026 there are three stories that could reshape the live music industry.
- Author: Bruce Houghton
- Tags: live music industry news, Live Nation, Ticketmaster, ticket resale cap, Ticket resale, Wasserman

### **1) Will Judge Force Breakup Live Nation and Ticketmaster?**

Billboard produced a list of top [Music Business Stories to Watch in the Last Half of 2026](https://www.billboard.com/lists/music-business-stories-to-watch-last-half-2026/will-money-raised-from-debt-investors-fuel-more-catalog-acquisitions-and-ma/?ref=hypebot.com) including several that could reshape the live music industry.

But the trade only mentioned in passing what most consider the biggest story in live music: how the courts will rule on **the** [**case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster**](https://www.hypebot.com/states-demand-live-nation-ticketmaster-breakup-reaction/)**.** Perhaps that's because, while we expect several major rulings in the coming months, it seems unlikely to be fully settled in 2026\. 

Despite the U.S. **DOJ** signing off on a settlement with **Live Nation**, 33 states and the District of Columbia pushed ahead and won a landmark jury verdict finding that the company illegally dominates the market.

Following that verdict, the States asked the court to impose remedies that would **fundamentally restructure the live entertainment industry**. At the center of their demands, supported by **NIVA** and others, is the **forced breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.**

There are also so many other cases pending against concert and ticketing giant that we created the [**Live Nation, Ticketmaster Lawsuit Tracker.**](https://www.hypebot.com/live-nation-ticketmaster-lawsuit-tracker-pending-cases/)

### **2) How Many More States Will Pass or Propose Legislation Around Ticket Resale?** 

"**Washington, D.C.,** passed [the RESALE Act](https://www.billboard.com/pro/dc-council-passes-ticket-resale-bill-scammers-high-prices/?ref=hypebot.com), which caps ticket resales at 10% above face value and bans speculative ticketing... \[and\] **Massachusetts** Governor Maura Healey [announced a proposal ](https://www.billboard.com/pro/noah-kahan-massachusetts-ticketing-bill-cap-resale-prices/?ref=hypebot.com)that would also limit ticket resale to 110% of the price of the original ticket’s face value and limit service fees and charges to 10% of the ticket price," writes Billboard.

"**Vermont** and **Maine** already have laws in place that cap ticket resale at 110% of the original price. Other states, including **California, New York, Washington** and **Tennessee**, are all currently seeking further legislation on ticketing — with the expectation that more states will pass bills that cap the price of ticket resale and others will put forth their own proposals."

### **3) Who will buy THE•TEAM?** 

"Bids for live booking agency, \[formerly know as Wasserman\] now renamed THE•TEAM, are in, and it’s expected that the new owner will be announced in the second half of 2026." 

Potential buyers include **Providence Equity Partners**, which owns a controlling stake in the agency, former **Endeavor** executive **Patrick Whitesell**'s **WIN Sports Group** and **WIN Artists**, and **Excel Sports Management** with **Goldman Sachs**."

***Get all the latest Music Industry & Live Music News updated continuously from across the web under the Hypebot Industry News tab*** [***here***](https://www.hypebot.com/music-industry-news-feed/)***.***

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