Ticketmaster

Ripping you off Stage 3

Between fees, dynamic pricing, and exclusive venue deals, buyers often feel nickel-and-dimed at the last step. In 2026 a federal jury found Live Nation and Ticketmaster ran an illegal monopoly that overcharged fans. Two extraction criteria; fans can’t leave, so there’s no documented decline. Stage 3.

Since
1976
Category
Events
VC-backed
Yes
Public
Since 2005 (NYSE: LYV)
Website
ticketmaster.com
X
@Ticketmaster

Why it’s rated 3

The criteria it meets, with sources · Method

Alignment 0 of 3
None
Lock-in 1 of 4
  • L4 Gatekeeper or default
Extraction 2 of 7
Decline 0 of 3
None

Result Two or more extraction criteria, or lock-in plus at least one, so stage 3.

Rating history

Oct 6, 2026
Upgraded 4 Trash → 3 Ripping you off

Rescored under Method 2.1. Stage 3 test met by two or more extraction criteria (E1 Pay more for the same, E6 Self-dealing). No decline is documented, which stage 4 requires.

News signals

Sourced reporting, tagged by strategy

Apr 15, 2026
Jury finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster ran an illegal monopoly
Market consolidationRegulatory risk
May 23, 2024
DOJ and 30 states sue to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster
Market consolidationDrip pricing
May 23, 2023
Senate hearing scrutinizes Ticketmaster fees and competition
Drip pricingMarket consolidation