Federal Register #2026-13623

Antitrust Enforcement and Compliance Measures for Live Nation and Ticketmaster

This opportunity centers on antitrust enforcement actions targeting monopolistic practices in the live music industry. - Government Buyer: - United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division - Attorneys General from multiple states - OEMs and Vendors: - Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. - Ticketmaster L.L.C. - Oak View Group - Products/Services Requested: - Concert promotion services (booking, marketing, financial risk management) - Primary ticketing services (inventory management, ticket sales, payment processing, customer service) - Secondary ticketing services (ticket resale platforms, SafeTix technology) - Antitrust compliance monitoring services - Notable Requirements: - Defendants must enable third-party ticket sales via new technology - Loosen exclusivity provisions in ticketing contracts - Cap ticket service fees - Divest control over certain amphitheaters - Allow artists and promoters to use alternative ticket sellers - Waive exclusive booking rights and refrain from anticompetitive practices - Maintain information firewalls and terminate certain agreements - Share ticketing data with artists - Submit to oversight by a monitor - Public comment is invited on the proposed judgment - Period of Performance: - Final Judgment effective for eight years, with some provisions expiring earlier upon divestiture - Enforcement possible for up to four years after expiration - Key compliance deadlines: 275 days for open ticketing technology, 30 days for venue contract modifications

Description

This notice pertains to the proposed final judgment and competitive impact statement in the case United States et al. v. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. The case alleges that Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. and Ticketmaster L.L.C. engaged in anticompetitive conduct violating Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act and several state laws in ticketing, promotions, and amphitheater markets. The proposed final judgment requires the defendants to implement various measures including developing technology for third-party ticket sales, loosening exclusivity provisions, capping ticket service fees, divesting control over certain amphitheaters, and submitting to oversight by a monitor. Public comments are invited within 60 days of the notice publication.

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