States ask judge to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster

A federal judge has been formally tasked with deciding whether to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster.

More than 30 states are asking Judge Arun Subramanian to order the ticket giant to sell a “sufficient number” of its large stands, and limit its ability to tie up access to what remains of its use of its promotional services. In April a The jury found the company to be an illegal monopolyAfter more than a month of experimentation. the Suggest initial treatments It does not include further dismantling of some other parts of Live Nation’s business by California Attorney General Rob Bonta He said Edge and other outlets earlier this week they were considering, but states say they reserve the right to make additional requests as they learn more.

It’s not clear exactly how far Subramanian would be willing to go in seeking damages, but the requests go far beyond what the Justice Department obtained. In her settlement With the company after one week of trial. This deal included a promise to offload some exclusive booking arrangements at more than a dozen stands, but not to sell the venues themselves.

The states are also seeking remedies that address specific allegations that arose at trial, such as preventing retaliation or restricting a venue’s ability to host a concert on the ticketing platform they use. They are also requesting a range of financial relief, including reimbursement of overage fees on ticket fees.