NIVA: The Live Nation Trial Is a Once-in-a-Generation Chance to Restore Competition to Live Entertainment
Trial Against Live Nation Begins Today with Jury Selection
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 2, 2026) – Stephen Parker, the Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), issued the following statement upon the beginning of the U.S. vs. Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster trial beginning today:
"For the nation's independent venues, festivals, and promoters, the issues in this case reflect a daily reality. Live Nation's vertically integrated control of promotion, venues, ticketing, and artist management shapes every corner of this industry — its influence over national tours, the management of hundreds of artists at every stage of their careers, and the widespread use of radius clauses that further empower Live Nation venues. The result predictably and powerfully limits competition in markets nationwide.
When 40 state attorneys general and the U.S. Department of Justice bring the same case to trial, that is not a close call. That is a consensus.
The question before this court isn't just whether Live Nation broke the law — it's whether the structure of the live entertainment industry will be allowed to continue suppressing competition for another generation. If the court finds Live Nation violated the law, monetary penalties and behavioral commitments alone will not be sufficient. The relief must be proportionate to the harm — and that means structural separation of primary ticketing, resale ticketing, venue operation, national tours, advertising/sponsorship, and artist management must be seriously considered.
Independent stages, artists, and fans stand behind this case. The evidence tells a clear story. The law is on the side of competition. And we are confident the court will take the steps necessary to return live entertainment to the communities that actually create it."
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.
CONTACT
Lucky Break PR
Kris Ferraro, Kris@luckybreakpr.com
Mike Stommel, Mike@luckybreakpr.com
