WASHINGTON (April 15, 2026) — Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) Vice President and Director of Competition Policy Diana Moss released the following statement welcoming today’s jury verdict finding Live Nation-Ticketmaster liable for operating an illegal monopoly in the live events and ticketing industry:
“Justice has been served to one of the most powerful monopolies in the United States. Live Nation-Ticketmaster has stifled competition and ripped off music fans for decades.”
PPI has led the charge in analysis and advocacy on the competitive and consumer harms caused by the Live Nation-Ticketmaster monopoly. When the U.S. Department of Justice filed its antitrust lawsuit in 2024, Moss called it long overdue and argued that only a structural breakup could fully restore competition. In a February 2026 report, she warned that any pre-trial settlement would be a failure of enforcement. When the Trump DOJ settled anyway, Moss called on the non-settling states to continue pursuing litigation and effective remedies, which is exactly what today’s verdict vindicates.
Only weeks ago, the DOJ cobbled together a premature settlement with the monopoly. Moss noted that the move disrupted due process and cut the states out of one of the most important antitrust actions of the century. “Kudos to the states for sticking it out, proceeding to trial and getting this terrific jury verdict,” she said.
“The court will now turn to the remedies phase of the case. The hope is that the states can get strong relief for consumers, relegating the Trump DOJ’s settlement to the waste bin,” Moss added.
Founded in 1989, PPI is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to create radically pragmatic ideas for moving America beyond ideological and partisan deadlock. Find an expert and learn more about PPI by visiting progressivepolicy.org. Follow us at @PPI.
###
Media Contact: Ian O’Keefe – iokeefe@ppionline.org
