Live Nation settlement would change ticketing options but critics say it is limited

The Justice Department reached a tentative settlement with Live Nation that would let major venues offer some tickets through sellers other than Ticketmaster and cap certain fees at Live Nation-owned amphitheaters; the agreement does not split Ticketmaster from Live Nation and still needs court approval.

The Justice Department announced a tentative settlement with Live Nation resolving a lawsuit that accused the company of monopolizing live-event ticketing. The proposed terms would let large venues have the option to sell some tickets through sellers other than Ticketmaster and would cap service fees at certain Live Nation-owned amphitheaters. The agreement stops short of breaking up Live Nation and Ticketmaster, and it still requires court approval while some states say they will continue legal challenges. Key details: - The DOJ and Live Nation reached a tentative deal addressing monopoly charges tied to live-event ticketing. - The agreement allows major venues to sign new agreements so a portion of tickets can be sold by other sellers rather than exclusively through Ticketmaster. - For amphitheaters Live Nation owns or operates, the company agreed to cap service fees at 15% and allow promoters to control distribution of up to 50% of tickets. - The settlement does not require separating Ticketmaster from Live Nation, needs court approval, and more than two dozen states have said they will keep pursuing the case. Summary: The settlement would create additional options for some venues and include fee limits at certain Live Nation amphitheaters, but it leaves Ticketmaster under Live Nation and allows some exclusive arrangements for up to four years. Court approval is the next formal step, and several states have announced plans to continue opposing the settlement.