Attorney General Alan Wilson and a coalition of 33 other attorneys general won their lawsuit against Live Nation on Apr. 16, after a jury found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws by reducing competition in the live event industry. The verdict follows a five-week trial in which the jury determined that the companies’ actions led to higher prices for fans, artists, and venues across the country.
The outcome is significant as it addresses concerns about fair market competition within the concert ticketing sector. According to Attorney General Wilson, “This was a fight about fair market competition to ensure fans and artists aren’t gouged by a monopoly that raises prices because it controls the entire concert system.” He added, “My goal was to protect the people of South Carolina, and I’m grateful the jury looked at the evidence and ruled in our favor.”
In May 2024, Wilson joined with attorneys general from 40 states and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in suing Live Nation. The lawsuit alleged that Live Nation’s control over venue ownership, event promotion, and ticketing services through Ticketmaster allowed it to raise costs for both fans and artists while suppressing competition. During the trial that began on March 2, 2026, DOJ reached a settlement with Live Nation; however, Wilson’s coalition rejected this settlement in order to continue litigation.
The jury found that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintains its monopoly over ticketing services at major concert venues while Live Nation holds monopoly power over large amphitheaters used by artists. It also concluded that Live Nation requires artists who use its amphitheaters to utilize its event promotion services as well. Additionally, jurors determined fans have been overcharged for tickets at major venues nationwide.
As head of South Carolina’s primary legal office according to its official website, Alan Wilson leads efforts supporting victims of crime through advocacy initiatives aimed at community safety. The Attorney General’s office enforces laws related to securities regulation and consumer protection according to official sources, collaborating with law enforcement agencies across South Carolina.
With liability established by this verdict, Wilson said he will now work with his coalition colleagues during an upcoming bench trial phase focused on remedies and financial penalties.
