NIVA Calls On DOJ & State Attorneys General To Prevent Live Nation From Using Lobbyists To Subvert The Rule of Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 9, 2026) — National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) Executive Director Stephen Parker issued the following statement after the publishing of a recent Semafor report alleging that Live Nation is attempting to politically negotiate its way out of its upcoming antitrust trial:
“If reports are accurate that Live Nation is using its immense resources and lobbyists to circumvent the legal process and escape a trial with significant evidence supporting its breakup, the company is subverting the rule of law.
“It appears that Live Nation fears that the case being presented by the U.S. Department of Justice, and 40 state attorneys general, could lead to its splintering. An antitrust conviction of Live Nation will ensure a level playing field for music and live entertainment for the first time since the company’s merger with Ticketmaster 16 years ago.
“If true, this conduct also suggests that Live Nation’s Dan Wall was not being truthful while testifying to Congress last month during a U.S. Senate Subcommittee hearing on deceptive ticketing practices. During the hearing, he committed to U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar that the antitrust case against his company ‘should be resolved based on the law and the facts and not political pressure.’
“The company must be split up. There is no settlement that will lead to justice for America’s independent venues, artists, and fans. There is no pathway to restore competition in ticketing and live performance across America without Live Nation’s breakup.
“We urge the White House, DOJ, and every state attorney general involved in this case to reject Live Nation’s political maneuvering and backroom dealing - and carry forward what the American people want: an end to the long, national ordeal of Live Nation prioritizing world domination and profiteering over the well-being of fans.”
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
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