Live Nation sees strong ticket sales as monopoly lawsuit looms
BBC World
February 20, 2026
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Live Nation reported a significant surge in revenue and concert attendance last year, with its financial results revealing $25.2 billion in revenue—a 9% increase from the previous year—and an operating profit jump of over 50% to $1.3 billion. The company, which owns Ticketmaster, saw 159 million fans attend its concerts in 2024, up from 151 million the prior year. Despite this success, Live Nation faces a looming antitrust lawsuit in the U.S., with regulators accusing it of maintaining a monopoly over the live music industry through illegal tactics that have driven up ticket prices and limited competition.
The entertainment giant has been under increasing scrutiny for its dominance in multiple areas of the live music sector, including concert promotion, ticket sales, and venue ownership. The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) filed a lawsuit against Live Nation in 2024, alleging that its practices have stifled competition and harmed consumers by inflating ticket prices through fees and service charges. This case is expected to go to trial next month, though questions about its future were raised following the recent resignation of the DoJ's top antitrust official.
Live Nation executives highlighted strong ticket sales for upcoming tours by major artists like Harry Styles and Bruno Mars, with 67 million fans purchasing tickets in
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026