The United States Department of Justice's antitrust case against Live Nation is scheduled for a potential jury trial beginning March 2, 2026, according to Judge Arun Subramanian's recent scheduling order.

The lawsuit, joined by the District of Columbia and numerous state attorneys-general, accuses Live Nation of monopolistic practices in the live events industry. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland states that these practices result in higher fan fees, fewer opportunities for artists, squeeze out smaller promoters, and limit venue choices.

Key allegations include:

• Anticompetitive collaboration with Oak View Group
• Blocking TEG's U.S. market expansion
• Threatening venues to use Ticketmaster exclusively
• Restricting artist access to Live Nation venues if they use other promoters

Live Nation's legal team is pushing to relocate the case from New York to Washington, DC, citing the 2010 consent decree that permitted the Live Nation-Ticketmaster merger. The DOJ opposes this move, arguing the case's scope extends beyond the consent decree's jurisdiction.

Important dates:

• July 19: Deadline for venue change motions
• July 25: Discovery process begins
• October 30, 2025: Discovery completion deadline
• March 2, 2026: Tentative trial start date

While the trial date is scheduled, the complex nature of the case means the timeline could shift. The outcome could potentially lead to the separation of Live Nation and Ticketmaster, significantly impacting the live entertainment industry's future.

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