The U.S. Department of Justice and Live Nation told the court Monday they had reached a settlement that, while making some structural changes, would leave Ticketmaster under Live Nation ownership.
The judge has not yet signed off on the deal and 26 state attorney generals are vowing to fight on without the DOJ. But the prospect of settlement drew a sharp rebuke from the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA).
"the equivalent of 4 days of their 2025 revenue"
“Live Nation’s reported settlement amount - $280 million - is the equivalent of 4 days of their 2025 revenue, which means they could potentially make it back by this Friday," said Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director.
"The reported settlement does not appear to include any specific and explicit protections for fans, artists, or independent venues and festivals." he continued. "Reported details also indicate that ticket resale platforms could be further empowered through new requirements for Ticketmaster to host their listings, which would likely exacerbate the price gouging potential for predatory resellers and the platforms that serve them."
"If these facts are true, NIVA views this as a failure of the justice system,” said Parker.
In an email to independent venues, promoters and festival members, Parker added, "... this fight is not over. We cannot stand down. We cannot give in. We must keep going. And NIVA will."
