DOJ settlement avoids Live Nation breakup, mandates open ticketing and venue divestitures

The Justice Department reached a settlement with Live Nation that prevents breaking up the Live Nation–Ticketmaster merger. The deal requires an open, standalone ticketing system for rivals, divestment of up to 13 amphitheaters, and reserving 50% of tickets for nonexclusive venues, plus a prohibition on retaliating against venues that choose another distributor. Several states joined the settlement, while others continue lawsuits. The agreement is expected to lower prices and increase choice for artists and fans, though some antitrust actions remain underway and critics warn that real competition may take time to materialize.