U.S. Antitrust Ruling Has Limited Impact on Canada
Two months after a landmark U.S. antitrust ruling against Live Nation Inc. and Ticketmaster, the decision's impact remains uncertain south of the border. In Canada, however, industry insiders say the ruling will not set a legal precedent, as the case falls under U.S. federal and state laws. The lawsuit, United States, et al. v. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. and Ticketmaster Entertainment, LLC, found that Live Nation Entertainment held a monopoly violating antitrust laws. Discussions continue between the company and parties involved, with Live Nation stating on April 16 that the “jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter. Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand.”
Expert Advocates for 'Canada First' Policy
Matthew Gibbons, founder and president of Vancouver-based MRG Group, suggests that the real opportunity for Canada lies beyond the two companies named in the case. He notes that Live Nation and Ticketmaster's vertical integration—running venues, bookings, tour management, and other event staging aspects—transformed live entertainment globally. Instead of relying on unenforceable legislation, Gibbons believes consumers and presenters would benefit from a more open playing field. He advocates for a nationwide “Canada first” approach to open the ticket selling market to domestic operators, improving the industry for promoters, venues, artists, and fans.
“Our civic venues, government institutions, etc., should be defaulting to a Canadian operator or operator who can keep those facilities running rather than selling exclusivity,” said Gibbons. “That allows Canadian companies to grow, strengthen and expand outside our borders.”
MRG Group's Role and the Challenge of Venue Exclusivity
MRG Group, one of Canada's largest independent live entertainment firms, operates venues like the Vogue Theatre and Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver, along with others across the country. It also runs its own ticketing platform, AdmitONE. Gibbons clarifies the distinction between U.S. antitrust issues and Canadian reselling challenges, even when the same company is involved. “Canadian companies are challenged by how you get inventory, which mostly is dictated by the venue. If Live Nation owns the room, they are going to use Ticketmaster, and rightfully so,” he said.
Gibbons sees room to shake up the ticket sale model further, particularly for public venues. “I don’t realistically think that anybody should have a problem with anyone putting on events for Canadians in Canada, particularly if they are (in a venue) owned by the taxpayer,” he said. “Whether it’s in Stanley Park, B.C. Place or spaces like that, I think it’s fair to make them open to all reputable operators without exclusivity.”
AdmitONE's Global Success
AdmitONE, MRG's ticketing platform, already does business in New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S., and has generated over $100 million in sales globally. This demonstrates the potential for Canadian operators to compete internationally if given a fair chance at home. Gibbons emphasizes that a 'Canada first' policy would not only strengthen domestic companies but also enhance competition, potentially leading to better prices and services for Canadian consumers.
