Live Nation has asked a federal judge to set aside a jury verdict that found the company and its Ticketmaster unit illegally maintained a monopoly over the live entertainment industry. In court papers filed July 2, 2026, the company argued the verdict should be overturned or, failing that, a new trial should be ordered.
Two-pronged legal challenge
Live Nation submitted two motions. The first, a motion for judgment as a matter of law, contends the plaintiffs failed to meet the requirements of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The company claims the government and state attorneys general won the case with “made-for-juries emotional arguments” rather than economic evidence of harm.
The second motion requests a new trial. Live Nation argues the verdict was “against the weight of the evidence” and that the jury was prejudiced by improper admission of certain evidence and flawed jury instructions.
What comes next
The case now rests with Federal Judge Arun Subramanian. A ruling or significant guidance is expected on or before the next major status conference, scheduled for July 30, 2026.
If the judge denies Live Nation’s requests and upholds the verdict, the proceedings will move to a separate remedies phase. That bench trial, which will determine penalties, is currently set to begin no earlier than February 2027.
