Booker Statement on DOJ Settling Live Nation-Ticketmaster Case

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, issued the following statement in response to the announcement of the Department of Justice's settlement with Live Nation-Ticketmaster:

The Department of Justice's announcement today that it reached a settlement with Live Nation-Ticketmaster rather than seeing through its suit to break up an illegal monopoly is the latest example of this Administration putting corporate interests ahead of American consumers. Instead of working to lower prices like he promised, the Trump Administration walked away with a weak deal that does nothing to make it easier for Americans to see our favorite artists.

Music is a part of the fabric of American culture. Going to concerts and live events with friends and family are often some of our most cherished memories. But because of greedy corporations these experiences have become out of reach for most Americans. Live Nation uses dynamic pricing, excessive fees, and exclusivity deals to pad its profits while consumers have little choice but to pay up if they want to see their favorite artists.

It's obvious the Administration did not get a fair deal for American consumers. It appears Ticketmaster will remain intact, Live Nation will still dominate the amphitheater market, and fees at festivals and arenas are not capped. And after years of anticompetitive behavior--squeezing fans, artists, and venues alike--the company will pay $280 million. That is a slap on the wrist for a company generating over $20 billion in revenue in 2025.

A bipartisan group of state Attorneys General, have already rejected the deal and pledged to continue the lawsuit. DOJ failed to notify them of the agreement-or the court, or even its own trial attorney handling the case.

Like every other antitrust matter under this Administration, DOJ must be transparent about how it reached this deal. Congress will scrutinize it for abuse of influence and political favoritism. I also renew my call for President Trump to release the Antitrust Division and FTC report on ticket pricing which the White House has had since last summer and stop hiding it from the American public.