Millions of people who bought concert tickets through Ticketmaster are one step closer to proceeding as a class in a major antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment and its Ticketmaster subsidiary. The plaintiffs say the company used its overwhelming market power to inflate ticket prices and impose excessive fees. The case is before U.S. District Judge George Wu in Los Angeles, who on Thursday took up the motion for class certification — a crucial step that could determine whether the lawsuit moves forward on behalf of millions of consumers. Why Class Certification Matters If Judge Wu certifies the class, Ticketmaster and Live Nation could face billions of dollars in potential liability. Under federal antitrust laws, damages can be tripled if plaintiffs win. A certified class would also strengthen the plaintiffs’ leverage in settlement talks, as millions of affected consumers would be represented together rather than as individual cases. The core allegations The lawsuit alleges Live Nation-Ticketmaster violated US antitrust laws by using its dominance over various sectors of the live events industry to stifle competition. Key allegations include: Monopoly in primary ticket sales: Ticketmaster allegedly locks in major venues through exclusive contracts, leaving consumers with no real alternative. Excessive ticket fees: The plaintiffs say Ticketmaster uses its market control to charge high fees to fans who buy tickets. Coercive venue practices: Live Nation allegedly pays top artists huge sums to secure tours and then pressures venues to use Ticketmaster to recoup those costs. Control over the resale market: Ticketmaster is also accused of forcing resellers and consumers to use its own secondary market, limiting options and keeping prices high. What Live Nation Says Live Nation’s attorney Tim O’Mara argued that the class should not be certified because the plaintiffs did not prove that all ticket buyers were harmed in the same way. He pointed to differences over venues, markets and negotiated fee structures. The company maintains that its practices are competitive and that Ticketmaster’s fees reflect market realities, not monopoly abuse. What the government says This is not just a consumer lawsuit. The case was also filed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and 40 state attorneys general, who argue that Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s vertical dominance has been harmed: -consumers -competing ticket companies -smaller promoters -artists The DOJ claims the company’s control of ticketing, promotion and venue management gives it direct power over the live event ecosystem. Judge Wu’s Role So Far Judge George Wu has already: – Denied Ticketmaster’s attempt to force consumers into arbitration – Refused to dismiss the case – Allowed the case to move to class certification His next decision – whether to certify a class of millions – will shape the future of the entire case. Why this case matters to concertgoers If the plaintiffs succeed: -ticket fees could drop -competition in the ticket market could increase -alternative platforms could gain traction -a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster could reshape the live events industry. symptoms of monopoly power.