The United States Department of Justice's antitrust case against Live Nation is set to potentially begin jury trials on March 2, 2026, according to a scheduling order from US District Court Judge Arun Subramanian.

The lawsuit, joined by the District of Columbia and multiple state attorneys-general, accuses Live Nation of monopolistic practices in the live events industry. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland states that these practices have resulted in higher fan fees, fewer opportunities for artists, and limited choices for venues.

Key allegations include:

• Anticompetitive arrangements with Oak View Group
• Blocking TEG's expansion into the US market
• Threatening venues that don't use Ticketmaster with loss of top tours
• Denying venue access to artists who don't use Live Nation as promoter

Live Nation denies these allegations and seeks to move the case from New York to Washington, DC, citing the 2010 consent decree that allowed the Live Nation-Ticketmaster merger. Judge Subramanian is inclined to keep the case in New York but will consider motions until July 19.

Important dates:

• Discovery begins: July 25, 2024
• Discovery completion: October 30, 2025
• Tentative trial start: March 2, 2026

The Department of Justice seeks to reverse the Live Nation-Ticketmaster merger as a primary remedy in this antitrust case. The trial date remains tentative due to the case's complexity and pending pre-trial motions.

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