Ticketmaster and Live Nation Face Nationwide Class Action Over Alleged 'Supracompetitive' Fees
Event summary
- Class action lawsuit Popp, et al. v. Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster filed in 2022, now certified as nationwide class action.
- Plaintiffs allege 'supracompetitive' fees on primary ticket purchases from Ticketmaster since 2010 at top 500 U.S. concert venues.
- Trial date set for July 6, 2027, with opt-out deadline of July 6, 2026.
- Class includes U.S. individuals who purchased tickets directly from Ticketmaster or Live Nation affiliates since 2010.
The big picture
This class action challenges Live Nation and Ticketmaster's fee structures at a time when the live events industry is recovering from pandemic disruptions. The case highlights the tension between market dominance and consumer pricing, with implications for regulatory oversight and competitive dynamics in ticketing. The scale of potential liability—spanning millions of ticket purchases—makes this a critical test for the companies' legal and operational strategies.
What we're watching
- Legal Risk Exposure
- The scope of the class action—covering a decade of ticket sales—could expose Live Nation and Ticketmaster to significant financial liability if plaintiffs prevail.
- Regulatory Scrutiny
- The lawsuit may intensify regulatory scrutiny of Live Nation's market dominance in live entertainment, particularly its control over ticketing infrastructure.
- Consumer Backlash
- The outcome could influence public perception of ticketing fees, potentially prompting broader industry reforms or competitive responses.