The legal battle surrounding Live Nation and Ticketmaster is entering its next major chapter. After a federal jury found the entertainment giant operated as an illegal monopoly last month, the case is now shifting into its penalty phase. The proceedings could reportedly continue well into 2027.

Multiple reports indicate that the remedies phase of the antitrust trial will officially begin later this month. Attorneys for the coalition of states prepare to outline the consequences Live Nation and Ticketmaster could face following the jury verdict. Reports suggest potential remedies could range from operational restrictions to a full structural breakup that would separate Ticketmaster from Live Nation entirely.

The upcoming proceedings will be handled through a separate bench trial overseen by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who will ultimately decide what penalties the company may face. During a recent scheduling conference, the judge reportedly acknowledged that discovery timelines and the complexity of proposed remedies could push proceedings into early or even spring 2027.

The latest development follows a landmark April verdict in which jurors sided with a coalition of states arguing that Live Nation and Ticketmaster unlawfully monopolized major concert ticketing and large amphitheater markets throughout the United States. Jurors also reportedly determined that fans paid approximately $1.72 more per ticket due to anti-competitive practices.

As previously covered by EDMTunes, the case has steadily escalated over the past several months. In March, several states rejected a proposed federal settlement that would have allowed Live Nation to avoid a breakup while implementing reforms like ticket fee caps and venue divestitures. Additional scrutiny followed after internal communications and testimony allegedly revealed executives joking about “robbing fans blind.”

Now, states continuing the lawsuit are expected to aggressively pursue structural remedies rather than financial penalties alone. Reports indicate discussions could include mandatory open-ticketing systems, restrictions on exclusivity agreements, venue divestitures, and potentially forcing Ticketmaster and Live Nation to operate as separate entities.

Meanwhile, Live Nation has already begun financially preparing for the possibility of major penalties. According to recent reports, the company has reportedly accrued roughly $450 million tied to ongoing litigation expenses and potential settlements connected to the antitrust case.

While the final outcome remains uncertain, the next phase of the trial could ultimately reshape the future of live entertainment, ticketing, and concert access across the United States.