Live Nation's CFO Joe Berchtold expressed confidence about the company's position in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department and 39 state attorneys general against Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

Speaking at the Bank of America conference, Berchtold stated, "I expect we're going to prevail," and doesn't anticipate major operational changes during the legal process. The trial is scheduled to begin in early 2026, following a period of discovery and depositions throughout 2024.

Regarding Ticketmaster's relationship with Live Nation, Berchtold described it as a "nice complement" while emphasizing that both companies operate independently. He confirmed that ticket sales remain strong, with no decrease in consumer demand or artist touring interest.

Addressing criticism about high ticket prices and availability issues, Berchtold acknowledged the need for better communication and transparency with fans. He explained the reality of limited ticket availability, noting that when "10 million people want to buy a million tickets, 90% of them are going to be inherently unhappy."

Ticketmaster has recently implemented all-in pricing in jurisdictions where required, showing final ticket prices upfront. However, this practice isn't universal across all markets, raising questions about the company's commitment to transparency as the DOJ investigation continues.

Related Articles

Previous Articles