What does the Live Nation verdict mean for concertgoers?

Music lovers who have complained for years about Ticketmaster fees for concert tickets are surely reveling in a jury verdict Wednesday that found its parent company Live Nation has been running a harmful monopoly over large venues across the U.S.

But they will have to wait to see if the verdict leads to changes that make concerts more affordable.

Here are some things to know about the verdict in the closely-watched antitrust battle:

No immediate relief for concertgoers

The lawsuit, initially led by the U.S. government under former President Biden, accused Live Nation of smothering competition and blocking venues from using multiple ticket sellers. Days into the trial, however, President Trump’s administration announced it would settle its claims against the concert giant. Some states joined the $280 million settlement, which still needs a judge’s approval, but more than 30 states pressed ahead with the trial.

A federal jury in New York found that Ticketmaster had overcharged customers $1.72 per ticket in 22 states, which a judge could order the company to pay back. That could cost Live Nation hundreds of millions of dollars.

“The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter,” Live Nation said in a statement........

© The Hill