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

The lawsuit, joined by the District of Columbia and multiple state attorneys-general, accuses Live Nation of monopolistic practices in the live events industry. The federal government seeks to reverse the 2010 merger between Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland states that Live Nation's anticompetitive conduct has resulted in higher fees for fans, fewer opportunities for artists, suppression of smaller promoters, and limited venue choices for ticketing services.

Key allegations include:

• Anticompetitive collaboration with Oak View Group
• Blocking TEG's expansion into the US market
• Threatening venues to use Ticketmaster exclusively
• Denying venue access to artists who don't use Live Nation as promoter

Live Nation denies these allegations and requests the case be moved to Washington, DC, citing the 2010 consent decree's jurisdiction. However, Judge Subramanian indicates preference for keeping the case in the Southern District of New York.

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

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