The State of Live
The First Economic Research Study of the Independent Live Sector
The State of Live is the first comprehensive national economic research study examining independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and performing arts centers. Released on June 23, 2025, this groundbreaking report quantifies their significant economic contributions, explores challenges facing their sustainability, and provides invaluable data to drive advocacy and support.
STATE OF LIVE:
NATIONAL REPORT
Total Taxes Generated by Independent Live Stages
STATE OF LIVE: NATIONAL REPORT
Local Taxes: $3.14B • State Taxes: $4.17B • Federal Taxes: $12B
183.7M
TOTAL FANS SERVED
$153.1B
TOTAL Economic Output
64%
OF STAGES WERE
NOT PROFITABLE IN 2024
$51.7B
WAGES AND BENEFITS PAID
908,000
JOBS SUPPORTED
$86.2B
CONTRIBUTION TO U.S. GDP
31%
OF Expenses went
Directly To Artists
62%
OF STAGES HOST LOCAL
Artist Showcases
153,646
TOTAL EVENTS PRODUCED A YEAR
$10.62B
OFF-SITE TOURISM SPENDING
91%
VENUES OPERATING YEAR-ROUND
State of Live Underwriters
State of Live Data Partners
Press Releases & News Articles
June 25, 2025
NIVA report: 64% of US indie venues unprofitable [IQ Magazine]
June 25, 2025
Most independent music venues do not turn a profit finds new study [The Needle Drop]
June 25, 2025
NIVA reports 2/3 of U.S. indie venues lost money in 2024 despite generating $86.2 billion in GDP [Lambgoat]
June 24, 2025
Indie Entertainment Sector Contributed More To The GDP In 2024 Than Beer, Gaming, Airline Industries [Forbes]
June 24, 2025
The Majority of Independent Music Venues Were Not Profitable in 2024, According to New Report [Billboard]
June 24, 2025
NIVA’s ‘State of Live’ report shows independent venues are essential, but under threat [RouteNote Blog]
June 24, 2025
Report lays bare struggles of US independent live music business [Music Ally]
June 24, 2025
Over Half of Independent Concert Stages Weren’t Profitable in 2024 [Milwaukee Magazine]
June 23, 2025
NIVA State of Live study released as convention begins [Hypebot]
June 23, 2025
NIVA Says Independent Stages Generated $153.1 Billion In Economic Investment In the US In 2024 [Digital Music News]
June 23, 2025
Independent Stages Generate $153.1 Billion in Economic Activity, NIVA Study Finds [JamBase]
Support the Future of the Independent Live Sector
Donate to help us uncover the economic contributions and challenges of independent venues, performing arts centers, promoters, and festivals. Your contribution will help us arm the sector with the data and confidence it needs to thrive. As a fiscally sponsored project of the National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF), donations are 100% tax-deductible.