Maryland AG Brown continues legal fight against Ticketmaster, Live Nation as DOJ settles F&W asked to comment on pending settlement with Justice Department.

The Baltimore Sun asked F&W’s Adam Farra to comment on the proposed settlement of the antitrust case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. The Justice Department, dozens of states, and the District of Columbia sued in 2024, alleging that Live Nation’s grip on promotion, artist management, venues, and ticketing harmed fans, artists and competition. The plaintiffs said that Ticketmaster handles 80% or more of primary ticketing at major concert venues. The tentative deal would pay $280 million, let venues sell some tickets through other services, and cap service fees at 15% at certain venues. Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and other attorneys general declined to join it. Adam told The Sun that the case turns on Live Nation’s ability to “shape that market to their benefit and to the detriment of their rivals,” and that consumers should not expect a share of any damages the states recover.

Read the full article: The Baltimore Sun