LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Proposed
California legislation looks to make tickets to concerts and events cheaper by taking aim at Ticketmaster's dominance of the market. The ticketing giant, which merged a decade ago with Live Nation, controls some 80% of tickets for concerts, sports and other events sold in the
United States. Assembly Bill 2808 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, looks to ensure tickets are sold to events on a competitive basis with fair access granted to multiple ticketing agencies. Wicks says competition would give fans better access to tickets at lower prices by loosening Ticketmaster's near "monopoly" on the market. "Companies will have to compete for your business, which will lead to lower fees and better service," said Wicks in a press release. "Opening retail to competition will also mean more transparency, making it more difficult for fraudulent tickets to be sold." The bill comes after several lawsuits against Ticketmaster, including one by
Taylor Swift fans who alleged unfair prices for her popular Eras Tour.