FTC accuses Live Nation and Ticketmaster of illegally reselling event tickets
The Federal Trade Commission and state prosecutors have taken legal action against Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster for allegedly allowing ticket brokers to purchase event tickets and resell them at inflated prices, resulting in significant financial losses for consumers. The joint lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, also accuses Live Nation of using deceptive pricing tactics, such as advertising lower ticket prices than what was actually available and selling tickets to brokers at marked-up prices despite artist-imposed limits.
According to the FTC, Ticketmaster’s business practices violate the Better Online Ticket Sales Act and other laws prohibiting deceptive sales tactics. Attorneys general from several states, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia, have joined the lawsuit to hold Live Nation and Ticketmaster accountable for their actions.
FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson emphasized the importance of affordable ticket prices for families and music fans, stating that it should not cost an excessive amount to attend live events. The FTC reported that consumers spent nearly $83 billion on tickets through Ticketmaster between 2019 and 2024, with the platform controlling a significant portion of tickets sold by major event venues.
Live Nation, headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, and Ticketmaster have not yet responded to the allegations. In a separate lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice in May, the companies were accused of illegally monopolizing the live entertainment industry, with Live Nation allegedly violating antitrust laws through its ownership of Ticketmaster.
The acquisition of Ticketmaster by Live Nation in 2009 has raised concerns about anti-competitive behavior in the industry, prompting regulatory scrutiny and legal action. As the lawsuits unfold, consumers and artists alike are hoping for a fair and transparent ticketing system that prioritizes accessibility and affordability for all fans.
This article was rewritten based on the original content from CBS News, with a focus on providing a comprehensive overview of the legal actions against Live Nation and Ticketmaster for ticket resale practices.
