Tennessee AG Signals States Will Press Live Nation–Ticketmaster Antitrust Case Even Without DOJ

The long-running antitrust fight against Live Nation Entertainment and its Ticketmaster subsidiary may increasingly rest in the hands of state attorneys general, regardless of whether the U.S. Department of Justice ultimately remains involved.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said states are prepared to continue pursuing the lawsuit even if the DOJ were to withdraw, underscoring growing state-level determination to challenge what critics describe as decades of anti-competitive behavior in the live events and ticketing industries.

“This has been an ongoing problem for decades, and it’s time for it to be solved,” Kaki Carrigan, Chief Communications Officer & Deputy Chief of Staff, said in a statement provided to TicketNews. “If the DOJ should drop out of the case, that is obviously the federal government’s prerogative, but it would not make the problems go away. Many states are committed to finding a lasting resolution for the benefit of their consumers.”

The comments come as speculation continues to swirl around the future of the DOJ’s landmark antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, filed in 2024 and joined by a growing coalition of states. The suit alleges that the company illegally maintains monopolistic control over concert promotion, venue operations, and primary ticketing, stifling competition and inflating costs for artists, venues, and fans.

Since its filing, more than a dozen additional states have signed onto the case, broadening its scope and reinforcing bipartisan frustration with the ticketing giant’s market power. State attorneys general have repeatedly emphasized that consumer harm — from high service fees to limited ticketing choices — has persisted despite years of public scrutiny and congressional hearings.

Skrmetti’s remarks mark one of the clearest signals yet that states view the litigation as more than a federal initiative. Legal experts note that while DOJ involvement brings significant resources and authority, multistate antitrust actions can proceed independently, particularly when state consumer protection laws are also at issue.

TicketNews has reached out to additional attorneys general for comment.

The lawsuit has taken on added political and regulatory significance in recent months, as ticketing reform has emerged as a rare point of bipartisan agreement. Lawmakers from both parties have cited the Live Nation–Ticketmaster model as emblematic of consolidation problems across the broader live entertainment economy.

| READ: DOJ Lawsuit, Trump Blueprint Put Ticketmaster at Center of Ticketing Debate |

Live Nation has denied the allegations, arguing that the live events market remains competitive and that the lawsuit misrepresents industry dynamics. The company has previously said it intends to vigorously defend itself in court.

Whether the DOJ remains fully engaged or not, Skrmetti’s statement suggests that states are prepared for a prolonged legal battle — one that could reshape the future of ticketing and live entertainment in the United States.

For fans frustrated by fees and limited options, and for independent promoters and venues seeking a more level playing field, the message from Tennessee and its fellow states is clear: the case is far from over.