Live Nation reported $10.11 billion in third-quarter 2026 revenue, with about 61 million attendees across its global markets. Revenue grew across concerts, ticketing, and sponsorships and advertising.
Revenue and attendance
The company held nearly 4,000 events outside the U.S. and Canada during the quarter, up almost 17% year over year. Estimated North American attendance rose about 13% to 35.92 million.
Third-quarter revenue by business was:
- Concerts: $8.75 billion, up 20.1% year over year.
- Ticketing: $870.3 million, up 9.1%.
- Sponsorships and advertising: $505.7 million, up 14.2%, with international business accounting for 65% of that growth.
Operating income increased 12.6% to $892 million. Live Nation reported record third-quarter deferred revenue of $3.8 billion, up 7.7%, and said September set all-time highs for amphitheater attendance and number of shows.
Ticket sales and outlook
Ticketmaster sold an estimated 163.7 million tickets, up 5.5% year over year, despite a decline in tickets that do not carry fees. Live Nation said tickets sold through its do-it-yourself platform are now included in the fee-bearing category; they were previously classified as non-fee-bearing.
Ticket sales exceeded prior-year levels in every month of 2026 through October. Rapino said the company had sold 170 million tickets through October, up 13% and already above its full-year 2025 total. Live Nation expects to welcome nearly 180 million fans in 2026. Executives said they planned to provide more information at an Investor Day event the following week.
Shares and legal proceedings
Live Nation said it does not believe a loss is probable in its legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission. Its shares fell 3.3% to $175.25 during the trading session, leaving them more than 27% above their level in early November 2025.
