The U.S. ticketing lawsuit intensified this week as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a major complaint accusing Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation of illegal resale tactics that harmed consumers.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in California, backed by seven states including Florida, Illinois and Virginia.

The FTC alleges Ticketmaster and Live Nation “tacitly worked” with scalpers to enable unlawful ticket purchases that boosted profits while disadvantaging fans. The complaint says the companies used a “bait and switch” pricing method that altered advertised prices and raised total costs. It also accuses the firms of letting brokers exceed purchase limits and violating the Better Online Ticket Sales Act.

According to the commission, Ticketmaster engaged in “triple dipping,” collecting fees from brokers on primary and secondary markets while also charging fans. Between 2019 and 2024, the FTC says the company generated $3.7 billion from resales, inflating costs for both consumers and artists.

FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said the goal of the U.S. ticketing lawsuit is to ensure live entertainment remains accessible. He noted that Ticketmaster controls about 80% of ticketing at major U.S. concert venues, and between 2019 and 2024, fans spent over $82 billion through the platform.

Following the lawsuit announcement, Live Nation shares fell about 2%. Ticketmaster is also under scrutiny in the U.K. over its “dynamic pricing” system used during Oasis reunion ticket sales. In the U.S., the Justice Department continues its separate antitrust lawsuit alleging monopolistic control by Live Nation and Ticketmaster, following backlash from the 2022 Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket crisis.

The FTC’s action adds significant pressure to Ticketmaster and Live Nation as regulators challenge the power and pricing structures dominating the live events industry. The outcome of the U.S. ticketing lawsuit may reshape how tickets are bought and sold nationwide.