Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

The Justice Department is reportedly set to file a federal antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, Ticketmaster’s parent company.

This legal action comes as the ticketing giant faces heightened scrutiny over its market dominance and pricing practices in the live entertainment industry. Reports from The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, citing individuals familiar with the matter, indicate that the lawsuit could be lodged within the coming weeks.

Live Nation and Ticketmaster have been under the spotlight, especially after the ticketing debacle during the online presale event for Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” in 2022, which left many fans unable to purchase tickets. This incident has intensified the scrutiny from both the public and lawmakers, leading to broader questions about potential anticompetitive behavior by the company. Live Nation merged with Ticketmaster in 2010, a union that was greenlit by the Justice Department after an antitrust review. Despite this, critics argue that the company continues to hold a substantial sway over ticket prices and market competition.

In response to the allegations, Dan Wall, Live Nation’s head of Corporate Affairs, defended the company in a blog post earlier this year. He stated that ticket prices are set by artists and their management teams, while venues, not Ticketmaster, are responsible for imposing additional service charges. Wall added that the perception of Ticketmaster inflating ticket prices through service fees is misleading, explaining that these costs often go to the venues.

Wall also commented on the industry’s pricing dynamics, pointing out that high ticket prices can often be traced back to basic supply and demand forces within the live entertainment market.