Live Nation’s year-end earnings have hit another high, with the promotion giant reporting more than $25 billion in annual revenue for 2025 — a 9% year-over-year increase. Operating income for the year reached $1.3 billion, up 52% from 2024.
As reported Thursday (Feb. 19), Live Nation also had fourth-quarter revenue of $6.3 billion, up 11% from the same quarter last year.
For the full year, Live Nation’s concerts division delivered record results, posting revenue of $20.9 billion, up 10% over last year, while adjusted operating income (AOI) rose 30% year-over-year to $687 million. The company also reported that fan attendance increased 5% to 159 million, which Live Nation attributes to growth in activity at stadiums and in international markets. The promoter reported delivering “higher value to artists with average U.S. stadium grosses growing double-digits to help offset rising production costs.” It added that fan affordability was prioritized, “with get-in prices across all U.S. venue types holding flat to 2024 levels and pacing below inflation, with 75% of all U.S. tickets available for under $100.”
“In 2025, the bond between artists and their global fan bases reached new heights, fueling another year of double-digit growth. As artists continue to unlock untapped markets and headline the world’s most iconic stadiums, we’ve built momentum that carries us into a record-breaking 2026,” Live Nation president and CEO Michael Rapino said in a statement. “We’re not just building venues; we’re crafting world-class stages designed to elevate the artist’s vision and their connection to fans.”
At Ticketmaster, 2025 revenue reached $3.1 billion, up 3% from 2024. Year-over-year, fee-bearing tickets increased 2% to 346 million, with concerts (up 4%), offsetting a 2% dip in sports and other third-party activity. Sponsorship revenue for the promoter last year grew by 11% to $1.3 billion with an AOI of $845 million.
Looking to 2026, Live Nation expects to deliver double-digit AOI growth, reporting that more than 80% of 2026 large venue shows have been booked (confirmed and offer-in). The company also reports that Ticketmaster delivered a record January — typically a slower month for live events — with concert ticket gross transaction value (GTV) up by more than 50%, led by on-sales in North America.
In the wake of the earnings call, Live Nation shares rose 1.7% in after-hours trading.
“With a deep pipeline of large-scale shows and ticket demand continuing its ascent, we are positioned for another year of double-digit operating income and AOI growth in 2026,” Rapino’s statement continued. “Our commitment to being the ultimate partner for artists ensures we are set to compound this double-digit growth for years to come.”