Live Nation international concerts outpace North America as it expands abroad
Updated
Updated · MarketWatch · May 6
Live Nation international concerts outpace North America as it expands abroad
15 articles · Updated · MarketWatch · May 6
The Ticketmaster parent said international fan counts topped the US through late 2025 and the first quarter, with 2025 international sales up 24% while domestic sales edged down.
CEO Michael Rapino cited stronger growth in Europe, Mexico and Latin American festivals, as Live Nation bought venues in Paris and Milan and increased its Ocesa stake in Mexico.
The shift comes as US inflation and softer demand weigh on some tours, while Pollstar said 2025 global ticket sales fell 3.7% and North American sales dropped 5% from a year earlier.
As American demand cools, are emerging markets in Latin America and Asia the new future for global music tours?
Can Live Nation's global concert empire survive a US monopoly verdict that threatens to break it apart?
A jury found fans were overcharged for tickets. Is the era of soaring concert prices finally nearing an end?
Live Nation's Q1 2026 Revenue Hits $3.8B as International Concert Attendance Surpasses North America
Overview
Live Nation Entertainment started 2026 strong with a 12% revenue increase and over 107 million tickets sold, driven by fans' growing preference for live, in-person experiences. A major milestone was reached as international concert attendance surpassed North America for the first time, reflecting the company's strategic global expansion and investments in key markets like Mexico and Southeast Asia. While international growth accelerates, challenges remain in some U.S. markets due to pricing and tour sustainability issues. Additionally, ongoing U.S. regulatory pressures are pushing Live Nation to focus more on global markets, where its expanding venue network is reshaping the live entertainment industry and enabling artists to reach new audiences worldwide.