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Live Nation has announced stronger-than-expected revenue figures and robust concert attendance for the past year, though a US monopoly lawsuit continues to cast a shadow over the entertainment conglomerate.
The company’s financial results, released Thursday, revealed a revenue increase to $25.2bn in 2025, a 9% rise from the prior year. Operating profit surged by over 50%, reaching $1.3bn.
Signifying strong demand for live music, Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, reported concert attendance of 159 million fans last year, up from 151 million the previous year.
However, these impressive results occur amidst an ongoing legal challenge. The company stands accused of employing unlawful strategies to sustain a monopoly in the live music industry.
During a call with analysts, Live Nation executives highlighted sustained momentum in ticket sales thus far this year, noting record sales for upcoming tours by prominent artists such as Harry Styles and Bruno Mars.
The company reported that approximately 67 million tickets have been purchased in early 2026, representing a double-digit percentage increase compared to the same period last year.
“With a deep pipeline of large-scale shows and ticket demand continuing its ascent, we are positioned for another year of double-digit operating income,” stated chief executive Michael Rapino.
Live Nation Entertainment shares experienced a rise of over 3.5% in after-hours trading.
Despite the entertainment firm’s consistent reporting of substantial revenues and profits, it faces ongoing criticism, both in the US and internationally, concerning escalating ticket prices.
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) filed a lawsuit against Live Nation in 2024, seeking to dismantle the company. The DoJ argued that Live Nation’s practices have stifled competition, resulting in inflated ticket prices and diminished service quality for consumers.
The case is anticipated to proceed to trial in federal court next month. However, the recent resignation of the DoJ’s top antitrust official has raised questions regarding the lawsuit’s future.
Live Nation, which acquired Ticketmaster in 2010, is involved in concert promotion, ticket sales, and venue ownership. US regulators have asserted that these multiple roles have transformed the company into a “gatekeeper” within the industry.
The company has refuted the allegations made by the US government.
Ticketmaster and Live Nation have consistently faced censure from critics who argue that the firm artificially elevates ticket costs through fees and service charges.
Calls from fans and lawmakers for investigations into Live Nation’s dominance within the live music sector intensified following the problematic rollout of Taylor Swift’s 2022 Eras Tour.
The company’s system was overwhelmed by demand, ultimately leading Ticketmaster to issue an apology to Swift and her fans during a US Senate hearing.
The entertainment and music venue in Filton will be known as the Aviva Arena.
Denise Sides was selected from hundreds of applicants to take part in the Opalite video.
The 21-year-old could be jailed for up to 20 years over a plot to attack the US singer’s concert in 2024.
The total amount of the fraud was nearly £3,000 and involved 12 victims, Cardiff magistrates hear.
Swift’s team had flagged similarities between her trademark and the company’s contested design.
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