Live Nation reported second quarter revenue of $7.7 billion, up 9 percent year-over-year and operating income of $522 million, up 7 percent, in a quarter of strong ticket sales.
This marks the highest second quarter yet for Ticketmaster, which reported revenue of $852 million, up 15 percent year-over-year, and 90 million fee-bearing tickets sold, up 8 percent, with concerts as the primary growth driver. The second quarter ended with deferred ticket sale revenue of $5.2 billion, up 16 percent, for shows later in the year, pointing to continuing ticket demand.
Concerts revenue grew 8 percent to reach $6.4 billion, with fan attendance up 10 percent to 49 million, the highest second quarter attendance. Adjusted operating income of $310 million was down 14 percent due to the timing of stadium shows, venue pre-opening costs, and new international festivals.
The results come after the Department of Justice and Live Nation reached a settlement in March 2026, amid a federal trial, which included an agreement for Live Nation to pay up to $280 million in settlements and divesting its exclusive booking agreements with 13 of the amphitheaters. However, more than 30 states continued the trial and a jury found Live Nation liable for unlawful monopolization in April 2026. The legal penalties for the trial have yet to be determined, but a breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster is one possibility.
