States Seal Landmark Antitrust Victory Over Live Nation

A coalition of more than 30 state attorneys general won a landmark monopolization case against Live Nation (Ticketmaster); the DOJ initially led the case but withdrew in March, and the Manhattan trial proceeded on short notice with the states prevailing. The author, Gail Slater, recounts the extensive discovery and testimony, including Slack messages that suggested price gouging, as central to the victory. She frames the win as a common-sense, bipartisan application of antitrust law that protects consumers and markets, and credits the DOJ team for laying the foundation. The piece argues this outcome shows Americans’ intuitive grasp of fair competition and calls for continued antitrust enforcement to keep capitalism fair.