Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, have failed to halt a lawsuit initiated by the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) along with seven states, including Florida, over alleged deceptive practices concerning ticket pricing, purchase limits, and resale activities for concerts and other events.
A federal judge in the Central District of California dismissed the companies' motion to have the case thrown out before it could progress to further stages of litigation.
The ruling, issued on September 28, allows the lawsuit to proceed, though it does not imply that Ticketmaster or Live Nation have been found liable for the misconduct alleged by authorities.
The judicial decision emphasizes that, at this stage, the court is not ruling on the truth of the allegations but rather on whether the FTC and the states have presented legally sufficient claims to keep the case active.
The FTC's official docket lists the proceedings as ongoing and includes the decision among its recent actions.
Allegations Against Ticketmaster and Live Nation
Filed in September 2025, the lawsuit by the FTC and states like Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia, accuses the companies of employing a bait-and-switch pricing strategy. This tactic involves initially showing consumers a lower price, which increases after mandatory fees are added during the purchasing process.
The FTC also claims Ticketmaster advertised strict ticket purchase limits per person, while some major resellers allegedly bypassed these restrictions using multiple accounts and other strategies.
According to the lawsuit, an internal review cited by the agency found that just five brokers or resellers controlled 6,345 accounts and bought 246,407 tickets for 2,594 events.
The FTC further asserts that certain ticket-related fees generated approximately $16.4 billion between 2019 and 2024. These figures are part of the government's allegations and must still be proven during the trial.
Florida's Involvement in the Legal Battle
Florida plays a proactive role in this litigation, not merely as an observer. The state's Attorney General's Office is one of the plaintiffs.
In its claim, Florida alleges potential violations of the state's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA), in addition to issues related to the federal BOTS Act.
The state seeks various remedies, including injunctive relief, consumer restitution, potential refunds, civil penalties, and other compensations allowed by law.
Judicial Remarks on Purchase Limits
A point of contention involves the tools Ticketmaster claims to use to prevent individuals or groups from buying more tickets than allowed.
The company employs mechanisms such as controls to detect multiple attempts from the same internet address and to analyze linked accounts.
Nevertheless, the FTC argues that certain resellers used numerous accounts to evade these controls. The judge concluded that the allegations were sufficient at this stage for this part of the case to continue.
Ticketmaster Denies Allegations
Live Nation and Ticketmaster have denied the accusations and are prepared to defend themselves in court.
Previously, Live Nation informed its investors that a loss from the proceedings was unlikely at that time and stated it would vigorously defend its position.
Following the motion dismissal decision, Ticketmaster reiterated its efforts against bots and other tools utilized by professional resellers, maintaining that the lawsuit is misguided.
Consumer Compensation Not Immediate
The rejection of the motion does not immediately entitle consumers to refunds or imply a fine against Ticketmaster.
The FTC seeks civil penalties and other forms of financial compensation, while Florida also demands various measures for consumers. However, any payments, penalties, or reparations will depend on the lawsuit's outcome or a possible settlement.
Broader Pressure on Ticket Pricing Practices
This legal battle is part of a broader push by U.S. authorities to regulate the ticket sales and resale market.
In April 2025, CyberCuba reported that former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to combat excessive pricing in concerts and events, tasking the FTC and the Department of Justice to enhance enforcement against abusive practices and the use of bots.
This regulatory effort should not be confused with the current lawsuit: the central question in the pending case is whether Live Nation and Ticketmaster engaged in the consumer practices described by the FTC and the seven plaintiff states.
For now, the court's decision merely indicates that these claims withstood the companies' initial attempt to dismiss them, allowing the case to proceed.
Understanding the FTC's Lawsuit Against Ticketmaster
What are the main accusations against Ticketmaster in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit accuses Ticketmaster of using a bait-and-switch pricing strategy and misleading consumers about ticket purchase limits, allowing major resellers to bypass these restrictions.
How is Florida involved in the lawsuit against Ticketmaster?
Florida's Attorney General's Office is one of the plaintiffs, alleging violations of the state's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and seeking various consumer remedies.
What does the court's decision mean for Ticketmaster?
The court's decision allows the lawsuit to proceed, indicating that the claims were legally sufficient to survive the companies' initial motion to dismiss.