LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC., 10-K filed on 2/19/2026
Annual Report
v3.25.4
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Billions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Feb. 12, 2026
Jun. 30, 2025
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2025    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 001-32601    
Entity Registrant Name LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001335258    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE    
Entity Tax Identification Number 20-3247759    
Entity Address, Address Line One 9348 Civic Center Drive    
Entity Address, City or Town Beverly Hills    
Entity Address, State or Province CA    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 90210    
City Area Code 310    
Local Phone Number 867-7000    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $.01 Par Value per Share    
Trading Symbol LYV    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 24.1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   234,801,922  
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of our Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected to be filed within 120 days of our fiscal year end, are incorporated by reference into Part III.    
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag] false    
v3.25.4
Audit Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Auditor [Line Items]  
Auditor Name Ernst & Young LLP
Auditor Location Los Angeles, California
Auditor Firm ID 42
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,094,200,000 $ 6,095,424,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $73,912 and $72,663, respectively 2,009,055,000 1,747,316,000
Prepaid expenses 1,453,732,000 1,247,184,000
Other current assets 417,405,000 200,213,000
Total current assets 10,974,392,000 9,290,137,000
Property, plant and equipment, net 3,415,771,000 2,441,872,000
Operating lease assets 1,869,753,000 1,618,033,000
Intangible assets    
Definite-lived intangible assets, net 1,078,453,000 985,812,000
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net 369,015,000 380,558,000
Goodwill 2,889,178,000 2,620,911,000
Long-term advances 631,071,000 520,482,000
Other long-term assets 1,684,900,000 1,780,966,000
Total assets 22,912,533,000 19,638,771,000
Current liabilities    
Accounts payable, client accounts 1,941,389,000 1,859,678,000
Accrued expenses and accounts payable 3,555,811,000 3,300,312,000
Deferred revenue 4,461,959,000 3,721,092,000
Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current 587,630,000 260,901,000
Other current liabilities 482,061,000 216,297,000
Total current liabilities 11,028,850,000 9,358,279,000
Long-term debt, net 7,612,018,000 6,177,168,000
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent 2,036,974,000 1,680,266,000
Other long-term liabilities 415,844,000 477,763,000
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests 924,472,000 1,126,302,000
Stockholders' equity    
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 450,000,000 shares authorized; 235,995,577 and 234,771,759 shares issued and 235,421,446 and 234,363,735 shares outstanding in 2025 and 2024, respectively 2,328,000 2,313,000
Additional paid-in capital 1,455,925,000 2,059,746,000
Accumulated deficit (1,041,978,000) (1,546,819,000)
Cost of shares held in treasury (30,396,000) (6,865,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (114,872,000) (335,112,000)
Total Live Nation stockholders' equity 271,007,000 173,263,000
Noncontrolling interests 623,368,000 645,730,000
Total equity 894,375,000 818,993,000
Total liabilities and equity 22,912,533,000 19,638,771,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]    
Stockholders' equity    
Preferred stock—Series A Junior Participating, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding 0 0
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding 0 0
Preferred Stock [Member]    
Stockholders' equity    
Preferred stock—Series A Junior Participating, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding 0 0
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (PARENTHETICAL) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Current assets    
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 73,912 $ 72,663
Common stock    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized 450,000,000 450,000,000
Common stock, shares issued 235,995,577 234,771,759
Common stock, shares outstanding 235,421,446 234,363,735
Accrued expenses and accounts payable $ 3,555,811 $ 3,300,312
Deferred revenue $ 4,461,959 $ 3,721,092
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]    
Preferred stock    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized 20,000,000 20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued 0 0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding 0 0
Preferred Stock [Member]    
Preferred stock    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized 30,000,000 30,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued 0 0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding 0 0
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Revenues $ 25,201,406 $ 23,155,625 $ 22,726,317
Operating expenses:      
Direct operating expenses 18,763,356 17,380,866 17,290,718
Selling, general and administrative expenses 4,091,759 4,043,712 3,516,979
Depreciation and amortization 638,872 549,923 516,797
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets 18,528 11,015 13,927
Corporate expenses 474,730 367,629 330,817
Operating income 1,251,217 824,510 1,084,933
Interest expense 316,033 325,974 350,244
Loss on extinguishment of debt 780 2,563 18,504
Interest income (150,445) (156,254) (237,818)
Equity in losses (earnings) of nonconsolidated affiliates (3,206) 16,675 5,455
Other expense (income), net 57,528 (103,874) 35,274
Income before income taxes 1,030,527 739,426 913,274
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 339,787 (391,698) 209,476
Net income 690,740 1,131,124 703,798
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 194,768 234,837 146,905
Net income attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation $ 495,972 $ 896,287 $ 556,893
Earnings Per Share, Basic $ (0.24) $ 2.77 $ 1.35
Earnings Per Share, Diluted $ (0.24) $ 2.74 $ 1.34
Weighted average common shares outstanding:      
Weighted average common shares—basic 231,844,300 230,124,255 228,628,390
Weighted average common shares—diluted 231,844,300 236,352,449 230,977,326
Reconciliation to net income (loss) available to common stockholders of Live Nation:      
Net income attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation $ 495,972 $ 896,287 $ 556,893
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests (550,801) (258,076) (247,438)
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders of Live Nation—basic (54,829) 638,211 309,455
Convertible debt interest, net of tax 0 9,187 0
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders of Live Nation—diluted $ (54,829) $ 647,398 $ 309,455
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]      
Net income $ 690,740 $ 1,131,124 $ 703,798
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]      
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge 820 (10,529) (5,225)
Realized gain on cash flow hedge (16,826) (18,361) (17,158)
Foreign currency translation adjustments 237,886 (354,730) 129,459
Comprehensive income 910,980 768,562 821,324
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 194,768 234,837 146,905
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation $ 716,212 $ 533,725 $ 674,419
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Accumulated Deficit [Member]
Accumulated Deficit [Member]
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]
Treasury Stock, Common
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022     228,498,102              
Balances at Dec. 31, 2022 $ 65,027   $ 2,285 $ 2,698,316 $ (2,999,999)   $ (6,865) $ (90,076) $ 461,366  
Equity [Roll Forward]                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period     58              
Non-cash and stock-based compensation 110,021     110,021            
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes     239,765              
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (9,484)   $ 2 (9,486)            
Exercise of stock options (in shares)     890,566              
Exercise of stock options 19,264   $ 9 19,255            
Shares issued in connection with the conversion of convertible debt     156,750              
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues     $ 2              
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other (27,325)     27,327            
Capped call transactions for 3.125% convertible senior notes due 2029 (75,500)     75,500         0  
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination 129,700               129,700  
Purchases of noncontrolling interests (136,489)     (100,940)         (35,549)  
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value adjustments (246,421)     (246,421)            
Contributions received 17,517               17,517  
Cash distributions (163,301)               (163,301)  
Other (71,800)     0         (71,800)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]                    
Net income (loss) 679,665       556,893       122,772  
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge 5,225             5,225    
Realized gain on cash flow hedge (17,158)             (17,158)    
Foreign currency translation adjustments 129,459             129,459    
Balances at Dec. 31, 2023 552,000   $ 2,298 2,367,918 (2,443,106)   (6,865) 27,450 604,305  
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2023     229,785,241              
Balances at Dec. 31, 2022                   $ 660,119
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Roll Forward]                    
Acquisitions                   47,375
Purchase of noncontrolling interests                   (11,402)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value adjustments                   246,421
Contributions received                   85
Cash distributions                   (76,318)
Other                   (30,483)
Comprehensive income (loss):                    
Net income (loss)                   24,133
Balances at Dec. 31, 2023                   859,930
Equity [Roll Forward]                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period     0              
Non-cash and stock-based compensation 109,986     109,986            
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes     658,278              
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (59,756)   $ 7 (59,763)            
Exercise of stock options (in shares)     852,097              
Exercise of stock options 26,052   $ 8 26,044            
Shares issued in connection with the conversion of convertible debt     0              
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues     $ 0              
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other 94,033     (94,033)            
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination 56,295               56,295  
Purchases of noncontrolling interests (45,015)     (30,049)         (14,966)  
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value adjustments (260,357)     (260,357)            
Contributions received 3,000               3,000  
Cash distributions (167,948)               (167,948)  
Other 4,182     0         4,182  
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other     23              
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]                    
Net income (loss) 1,065,513       896,287       169,226  
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge 10,529             10,529    
Realized gain on cash flow hedge (18,361)                  
Foreign currency translation adjustments (354,730)                  
Balances at Dec. 31, 2024 $ 818,993 $ 8,869 $ 2,313 2,059,746 (1,546,819) $ 8,869 (6,865) (335,112) 645,730  
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2024 231,295,639   231,295,639              
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Roll Forward]                    
Acquisitions                   45,357
Purchase of noncontrolling interests                   (32,296)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value adjustments                   261,416
Contributions received                   0
Cash distributions                   (77,632)
Other                   3,916
Comprehensive income (loss):                    
Net income (loss)                   65,611
Balances at Dec. 31, 2024 $ 1,126,302                 1,126,302
Equity [Roll Forward]                    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period     0              
Non-cash and stock-based compensation 156,963     156,963            
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes     1,020,861              
Common stock issued under stock plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes (126,691)   $ 9 (126,700)            
Exercise of stock options (in shares)     172,456              
Exercise of stock options 5,081   $ 2 5,079            
Shares issued in connection with the conversion of convertible debt     182,560              
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues     $ 2              
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other $ (2)     (4)            
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired 166,107   166,107              
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method $ (50,987)   $ (2) (27,458)     (23,531)      
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination 135,335               135,335  
Purchases of noncontrolling interests (188,538)     (32,435)         (156,103)  
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value adjustments (579,266)     (579,266)            
Contributions received 34,567               34,567  
Cash distributions (177,494)               (177,494)  
Other (677)     0         (677)  
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other     0              
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]                    
Net income (loss) 636,628       495,972       140,656  
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge (820)             (820)    
Realized gain on cash flow hedge (16,826)             (16,826)    
Foreign currency translation adjustments 237,886             237,886 0 0
Balances at Dec. 31, 2025 $ 894,375   $ 2,328 $ 1,455,925 $ (1,041,978)   $ (30,396) $ (114,872) $ 623,368  
Balances (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2025 232,837,623   232,837,623              
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Roll Forward]                    
Acquisitions                   92,554
Purchase of noncontrolling interests                   (855,926)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests fair value adjustments                   579,926
Contributions received                   3,019
Cash distributions                   (73,502)
Other                   (2,013)
Comprehensive income (loss):                    
Net income (loss)                   54,112
Balances at Dec. 31, 2025 $ 924,472                 $ 924,472
v3.25.4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
Net income $ 690,740 $ 1,131,124 $ 703,798
Reconciling items:      
Depreciation 374,301 300,003 266,590
Amortization of definite-lived intangibles 264,571 249,920 250,207
Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advances 88,386 88,717 83,693
Deferred income taxes (20,502) (708,570) (44,018)
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts 20,244 17,794 16,884
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable 30,784 1,002 78,336
Loss on extinguishment of debt (780) (2,563) (18,504)
Stock-based compensation expense 155,219 110,348 115,959
Unrealized changes in fair value of contingent consideration 91,455 (21,721) 40,151
Equity in losses of nonconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions 23,227 32,371 30,522
Gain on mark-to-market of investments in nonconsolidated affiliates and crypto assets 12,112 102,929 47,878
Gain on sale of operating and fixed assets (20,979) (7,887) (2,955)
Other, net (3,052) (18,665) (9,533)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:      
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable (147,892) 181,430 (525,739)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets (343,315) (22,192) (202,834)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses, accounts payable and other liabilities (138,407) 13,782 450,370
Increase in deferred revenue 341,868 478,085 140,917
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,395,316 1,725,175 1,362,974
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
Advances of notes receivable (77,636) (119,213) (181,801)
Collections of notes receivable 22,855 52,303 17,057
Proceeds from Sales of Assets, Investing Activities 25,536 7,373 1,479
Investments made in nonconsolidated affiliates (38,984) (45,683) (54,922)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (1,061,705) (646,634) (438,604)
Cash Paid for Acquisition of Right-of-Use Assets 20,800 20,000 0
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (80,006) (98,307) (17,534)
Purchases of intangible assets (7,832) (8,522) (36,653)
Cash derecognized from sale of investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (1,363)    
Proceeds (cash derecognized) from sale of investments in nonconsolidated affiliates   19,594 1,524
Other, net 13,485 4,808 13,649
Net cash used in investing activities (1,226,450) (854,281) (695,805)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
Proceeds from debt, net of debt issuance costs 3,714,432 1,671,842 1,061,026
Payments of long-term debt including extinguishment costs (2,049,287) (1,959,725) (730,643)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests 34,578 3,000 19,602
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (250,996) (245,580) (239,619)
Purchases and sales of noncontrolling interest, net (883,634) (69,935) (113,768)
Payments for capped call transactions 0 0 (75,500)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 5,081 26,052 19,264
Taxes paid for net share settlement of equity awards (126,691) (59,756) (9,484)
Common stock repurchases 23,531 0 0
Payments for deferred and contingent consideration (11,785) (23,733) (17,757)
Other, net (1,660) (715) (402)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 406,507 (658,550) (87,281)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 425,504 (345,191) 38,874
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 1,000,877 (132,847) 618,762
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 6,106,109 6,238,956 5,620,194
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 7,106,986 6,106,109 6,238,956
Cash paid during the year for:      
Interest, net of interest income 118,638 132,758 57,367
Income taxes, net of refunds $ 313,038 $ 253,652 $ 175,148
v3.25.4
Cybersecurity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Abstract]  
Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block]
The Board, in coordination with our Executive Steering Committee and the Audit Committee, oversees our cybersecurity program, including the management of cybersecurity threats. The Executive Steering Committee receives regular presentations and reports on developments in the cybersecurity space, including risk management practices, recent developments, evolving standards, vulnerability assessments, third-party and independent reviews, the threat environment, technological trends and cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block]
The Board, in coordination with our Executive Steering Committee and the Audit Committee, oversees our cybersecurity program, including the management of cybersecurity threats. The Executive Steering Committee receives regular presentations and reports on developments in the cybersecurity space, including risk management practices, recent developments, evolving standards, vulnerability assessments, third-party and independent reviews, the threat environment, technological trends and cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Role of Management [Text Block] The CISO has direct communication with senior executives regarding cybersecurity risks and works collaboratively with our leadership to respond to and manage the response to cybersecurity incidents.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Expertise of Management Responsible [Text Block]
The CISO has over 30 years of experience in cybersecurity, including more than nine years serving in chief information security leadership roles. The CISO’s background spans intelligence-driven and threat-actor focused security programs across highly regulated and complex global environments, including building and maturing enterprise capabilities such as incident response, threat intelligence, application security and vulnerability management. Our cybersecurity organization is comprised of experienced professionals with comparable depth of expertise in their respective disciplines that supports the effective execution of our cybersecurity risk management program. This collective experience enables effective oversight of cybersecurity risks, incident response and communication with senior leadership.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block]
Our cybersecurity risk management and strategy focus on several areas:
Risk Identification and Reporting: We have implemented a comprehensive, cross-functional approach to assessing, identifying, and managing material cybersecurity threats and incidents. Our program includes controls and procedures to properly identify, classify, and escalate certain cybersecurity incidents to provide management visibility and obtain an assessment from management as to the public disclosure and reporting of material incidents in a timely manner. The Cyber Security team’s responsibilities include:
Rating cyber risk severity, coordinating remediation, and monitoring cyber risks within our enterprise risk register;
Monitoring cybersecurity detective controls for alerts, responding to alerts, and managing response to cyber incidents;
Cyber threat intelligence functions, including monitoring cybercrime and geopolitical developments;
Supporting mergers and acquisitions activities, including integration of newly acquired businesses;
Performing security architecture reviews in existing enterprise systems and in those of newly acquired organizations;
Procuring and arranging for the implementation of both protective and detective controls across our business;
Monitoring and ensuring Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) compliance where required across the enterprise; and
Monitor for cybersecurity vulnerabilities and defects, including through penetration testing assessments.
Technical Safeguards: We have implemented technical safeguards that are designed to protect our information systems from cybersecurity threats, including firewalls, intrusion prevention and detection systems, endpoint detection and response, and access controls, which are evaluated and improved through vulnerability assessments and cybersecurity threat intelligence, as well as external audits and certifications. The Cyber Security department also manages security log information, and carries out vulnerability and application scanning to support the identification of cyber risks.
Incident Response and Recovery Planning: We maintain comprehensive incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans designed to guide our response to cybersecurity incidents. We also conduct regular tabletop exercises to test these plans and ensure personnel are familiar with their roles in a response scenario.
Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM): We maintain a comprehensive, risk-based approach to identifying and overseeing material cybersecurity threats presented by third parties, including vendors, service providers, and other external users of our systems, as well as the systems of third parties that could adversely impact our business in the event of a material cybersecurity incident affecting those third-party systems, including any outside auditors or consultants who advise on our cybersecurity systems.
Education and Awareness: We provide regular, mandatory training for all levels of employees regarding cybersecurity threats to equip our employees with effective tools to address cybersecurity threats, and to communicate our evolving cybersecurity policies, standards, processes, and practices.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block]
Our Board of Directors (the “Board”), in coordination with our Executive Steering Committee and the Audit Committee, is responsible for overseeing our cybersecurity program. The Cyber Security department leads cybersecurity risk management for our business. Effective Cyber Risk Management is foundational to our Cybersecurity program and is informed by widely recognized industry standards and best practices. Our Cybersecurity Risk Management program includes processes and controls for the business to ensure that cybersecurity risks are identified and responded to promptly. These range from formal processes that are triggered in certain circumstances, detective controls, protective controls and other technology that we use to identify and manage risks. Cyber Security’s Risk Management process is consistent with our Enterprise Risk Management Policy, which describes how we manage risks generally. The Cyber Security team also engages with external consultants to ensure best practices in our Cyber Risk Management.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Flag] false
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
History
Live Nation was incorporated in Delaware on August 2, 2005 in preparation for the contribution and transfer by Clear Channel Communications, Inc. of substantially all of its entertainment assets and liabilities to us. We completed this separation on December 21, 2005 and became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange trading under the symbol “LYV.”
On January 25, 2010, we merged with Ticketmaster Entertainment LLC and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Live Nation. Effective with the merger, Live Nation, Inc. changed its name to Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.
Seasonality
Our Concerts and Sponsorship & Advertising segments typically experience higher revenue and operating income in the second and third quarters as our outdoor venue concerts and festivals primarily occur from May through October in most major markets. Our Ticketing segment revenue is impacted by fluctuations in the availability and timing of events for sale to the public, which vary depending upon scheduling by our clients.
Cash flows from our Concerts segment typically have a slightly different seasonality as partial payments are often made for artist performance fees and production costs for tours in advance of the date the related event tickets go on sale. These artist fees and production costs are expensed when the event occurs. Once tickets for an event go on sale, we generally begin to receive payments from ticket sales in advance of when the event occurs. In the United States, this cash is largely associated with events in our operated venues, notably amphitheaters, festivals, theaters and clubs. Internationally, this cash is from a combination of both events in our owned or operated venues, as well as events in third-party venues associated with our promoters’ share of tickets in allocation markets. We record ticket sales related to owned and operated venues as revenue when the event occurs. Our seasonality also results in higher balances in cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accrued expenses and deferred revenue at different times in the year.
We expect our seasonality trends to evolve as we continue to expand our global operations.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements include all of our accounts, including our majority owned and controlled subsidiaries and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts among the consolidated businesses have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is reflected in the statements of operations.
Typically, we consolidate entities in which we own more than 50% of the voting common stock and control operations and also VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own more than 20% of the voting common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies but not control of the nonconsolidated affiliate are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own less than 20% of the voting common stock and do not exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for at fair value unless the investment does not have a readily determinable fair value in which case the investment is accounted for at cost less any impairment.
All of our cash flow activity reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows is presented net of any non-cash transactions so the amounts reflected may be different than amounts shown in other places in our consolidated financial statements that are based on accrual accounting and therefore include non-cash amounts. For example, purchases of property, plant and equipment reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows reflect the amount of cash paid during the year for these purchases and does not include the impact of the changes in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures during the year.
Variable Interest Entities
In the normal course of business, we enter into joint ventures or make investments in companies that will allow us to expand our core business and enter new markets. In certain instances, such ventures or investments may be considered a VIE because the equity at risk is insufficient to permit it to carry on its activities without additional financial support from its equity owners. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess whether we have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The activities we believe most significantly impact the economic performance of our VIEs include the unilateral ability to approve the annual budget, to terminate key management and to approve entering into agreements with artists, among others. We have certain rights and obligations related to our involvement in the VIEs, including the requirement to provide operational cash flow funding.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, excluding intercompany balances and allocated goodwill and intangible assets, there were approximately $941.4 million and $839.9 million of assets and $875.4 million and $577.6 million of liabilities, respectively, related to VIEs included in our balance sheets. None of our VIEs are significant on an individual basis.
Nonconsolidated Affiliates
In general, nonconsolidated investments in which we own more than 20% of the common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over an affiliate are accounted for under the equity method. We review the value of equity method investments and record impairment charges in the statements of operations for any decline in value that is determined to be other-than-temporary. If we obtain control of a nonconsolidated affiliate through the purchase of additional ownership interest or changes in the governing agreements, we remeasure our investment to fair value first and then apply the accounting guidance for business combinations. Any gain or loss resulting from the remeasurement to fair value is recorded as a component of other expense (income), net in the statements of operations.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Our cash and cash equivalents include domestic and foreign bank accounts as well as interest-bearing accounts consisting primarily of bank deposits and money market accounts managed by third-party financial institutions. These balances are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
Restricted cash primarily consists of cash held in escrow accounts to fund capital improvements of certain leased or operated venues. The cash is held in these accounts pursuant to the related lease or operating agreement.
Included in the December 31, 2025 and 2024 cash and cash equivalents balance is $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, of cash received that includes the face value of tickets sold on behalf of our ticketing clients and their share of service charges (“client cash”), which amounts are to be remitted to these clients. These amounts due to our clients are included in accounts payable, client accounts.
Cash held in interest-bearing operating accounts in many cases exceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. To reduce our credit risk, we monitor the credit standing of the financial institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents; however, these balances could be impacted in the future if the underlying financial institutions fail. To date, we have experienced no loss of or lack of access to our cash or cash equivalents; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted in the future by adverse conditions in the financial markets.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Generally, we record reserves based on the amount of cash we expect to receive when an account receivable balance is established. Our reserve estimate is primarily based on our historical accounts receivable write-offs. We adjust the historical reserve estimate applied to current accounts receivable when events or circumstances change, such as changes in current economic conditions or there is a significant deterioration in our accounts receivable aging, indicating that the reserve estimate may be insufficient to cover the expected loss. We generally apply a portfolio approach to all of our accounts receivable based on reporting unit unless there are facts and circumstances that indicate a specific group of customers is at greater risk of nonpayment.
We believe that the credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the large number and the geographic diversification of our customers.
Prepaid Expenses
The majority of our prepaid expenses relate to event expenses including show advances and deposits and other costs directly related to future concert events. For advances that are expected to be recouped over a period of more than twelve months, the long-term portion of the advance is classified as long-term advances. These prepaid costs are charged to operations upon completion of the related events.
Ticketing contract advances, which can be either recoupable or non-recoupable, represent amounts paid in advance to our clients pursuant to ticketing agreements and are reflected in prepaid expenses or in long-term advances if the amount is expected to be recouped or recognized over a period of more than twelve months. Recoupable ticketing contract advances are generally recoupable against future royalties earned by our clients, based on the contract terms, over the life of the contract. Non-recoupable ticketing contract advances, excluding those amounts paid to support clients’ advertising costs, are fixed additional incentives occasionally paid by us to secure the contract with certain clients and are typically amortized over the life of the contract on a straight-line basis.
Artist advances and ticketing contract advances are reviewed for recoverability whenever circumstances change, such as extended delays in an artist’s touring cycle, a decline in an artist’s tour earnings, lack of events on sale for a ticketing client or a decline in a client’s ticket sales, indicating that the advance may not be recoupable over the term of the agreement. We review various factors, including past recoupment amounts, timing of an artist’s last tour, expectations of future tours, ticketing clients’ historical ticket sales and expectations of clients’ future ticket sales, to determine if we believe the advance will recoup as expected. If an advance is not expected to be fully recoupable, a reserve is established to reduce the advance to the amount we expect to recoup. The reserves are recorded as a component of direct operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
Business Combinations
During 2025, 2024 and 2023, we completed several acquisitions that were accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. When we make these acquisitions, we often acquire a controlling interest without buying 100% of the business. These acquisitions and the related results of operations were not significant on either an individual basis or in the aggregate for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
We account for our business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are recognized and measured as of the acquisition date at fair value. Additionally, any contingent consideration is recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and classified as a liability. Goodwill is recognized to the extent by which the aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree exceeds the recognized basis of the identifiable assets acquired, net of assumed liabilities. Determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash flows, discount rates and asset lives among other items. In addition, when we have acquisitions where substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets, we account for the acquisitions as asset acquisitions.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or fair value at the date of acquisition. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which are typically as follows:
Buildings and improvements - 10 to 50 years
Computer equipment and capitalized software - 3 to 10 years
Furniture and other equipment - 3 to 10 years
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the economic life or associated lease term. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, whereas expenditures for asset renewal and improvements are capitalized. There is no depreciation expense included in direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses or corporate expenses. Our depreciation expense is presented as a separate line item, with amortization expense, in the statements of operations.
We test for possible impairment of property, plant and equipment whenever events or circumstances change, such as a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of, or projections of, operating cash flow losses or a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is intended to be used, which could indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, we compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows and the discount rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows.
Intangible Assets
We classify intangible assets as definite-lived or indefinite-lived. Definite-lived intangibles include revenue-generating contracts, client/vendor relationships, trademarks and naming rights, technology, non-compete agreements, and venue management and leasehold agreements, all of which are amortized either on a straight-line basis over the respective lives of the agreements, typically 3 to 10 years, or on a basis more representative of the time pattern over which the benefit is derived. We periodically review the appropriateness of the amortization periods related to our definite-lived intangible assets. These assets are stated at cost or fair value at the date of acquisition. Indefinite-lived intangibles consist of trade names and cryptocurrency assets which are not subject to amortization. Our amortization expense is presented as a separate line item, with depreciation expense, in the statements of operations. There is no amortization expense included in direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses or corporate expenses.
We test for possible impairment of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or circumstances change, such as a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of, or projections of, operating cash flow losses or a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is intended to be used, which could indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, we compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, there were no significant impairment charges.
We test for possible impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually. Depending on facts and circumstances, qualitative factors may first be assessed to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is concluded that it is more likely than not impaired, we perform a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. When specific assets are determined to be impaired, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows, expected future revenue, discount rates and royalty rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, there were no significant impairment charges.
Goodwill
We review goodwill for impairment annually, as of October 1, using a two-step process. We also test goodwill for impairment in other periods if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount or when we change our reporting units.
The first step is a qualitative evaluation as to whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units is less than its carrying value using an assessment of relevant events and circumstances. Examples of such events and circumstances include historical financial performance, industry and market conditions, macroeconomic conditions, reporting unit-specific events, historical results of goodwill impairment testing and the timing of the last performance of a quantitative assessment. We also considered changes in discount rates, market multiples, carrying values and forecast since the last quantitative test. If any reporting units are concluded to be more likely than not impaired, or if that conclusion cannot be determined qualitatively, a second step is performed for that reporting unit utilizing a quantitative approach.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, as part of our annual test for impairment, all of our reporting units with goodwill were assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not advance to the quantitative analysis.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, as part of a refresh of the fair values of reporting units, as of July 1, 2024, three of our reporting units were assessed under quantitative analysis to support future qualitative evaluation. As of October 1, 2024, as required by our policy to perform goodwill tests annually, these three reporting units were also assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not advance to the quantitative analysis. As of October 1, 2024, the remaining three reporting units with goodwill were assessed under quantitative analysis to support future qualitative evaluation. All of our reporting units assessed under the quantitative analysis primarily used a discounted cash flows methodology, with a lesser weighting attributed to the market multiple approach. The discounted cash flows methodology estimates fair value by discounting the reporting unit’s estimated future cash flows using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions and the risk profile of the reporting unit. Under the market multiple approach, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was estimated by applying market multiples derived from stock prices of companies that are engaged in the same or similar lines of business as the reporting unit and that are actively traded on a free and open market. The derived multiples are then applied to the reporting unit’s financial metrics.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, as part of our annual test for impairment, one of our reporting units, which accounted for approximately 12% of our goodwill at December 31, 2023, was assessed under the quantitative analysis. The remaining reporting units with goodwill were assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not advance to the quantitative analysis.
No impairment charges were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
Leases
We lease office space, many of our concert venues, festival sites and certain equipment. We record a lease asset and liability on our consolidated balance sheets at the inception of the lease or when we take possession of the leased space or equipment, if later, based on the required payments over the term of the lease. We do not recognize a lease asset or liability for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less, including multi-year festival site leases where the sum of the non-consecutive periods of rental time is less than twelve months. Rent expense for these short-term leases is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Some of our lease agreements contain annual rental escalation clauses, as well as provisions for us to pay the related utilities and maintenance. We have elected to account for the lease components (i.e., fixed payments including rent and parking) and non-lease components (i.e., common-area maintenance costs) as a single lease component.
Many of our lease agreements contain renewal options that can extend the lease for additional terms typically ranging from one to ten years. Renewal options at the discretion of the lessor are included in the lease term while renewal options at our discretion are generally not included in the lease term unless they are reasonably certain to be exercised.
In addition to fixed rental payments, many of our leases contain contingent rental payments based on a percentage of revenue, tickets sold or other variables, while others include periodic adjustments to rental payments based on the prevailing inflationary index or market rental rates. Contingent rent obligations are not included in the initial measurement of the lease asset or liability and are recognized as rent expense in the period that the contingency is resolved. Our leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.
We measure our lease assets and liabilities using an incremental borrowing rate which varies from lease to lease depending on geographical location and length of the lease.
Accounts Payable, Client Accounts
Accounts payable, client accounts consists of contractual amounts due to our ticketing clients which includes the face value of tickets sold and the clients’ share of service charges.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the liability method which results in deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. We assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets, considering all relevant factors, at each reporting period. As almost all earnings from our continuing foreign operations are permanently reinvested and not distributed, our income tax provision does not include additional United States state and foreign withholding or transaction taxes on those foreign earnings that would be incurred if they were distributed. It is not practicable to determine the amount of state and foreign income taxes, if any, that might become due in the event that any remaining available cash associated with these earnings were distributed.
The FASB guidance for income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.
We have established a policy of including interest related to tax loss contingencies in income tax expense (benefit) in the statements of operations. We treat the taxes due on future Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) inclusions in United States taxable income as a current-period expense when incurred.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “Act”) was enacted on July 4, 2025. The Act makes key elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, including 100% bonus depreciation, domestic research cost expensing, the business interest expense limitation and makes modifications to the international tax framework. The financial reporting implications of the Act were recorded in the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the promotion or production of an event in our Concerts segment is recognized when the event occurs. Consideration collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs. Revenue collected from sponsorship agreements, which is not related to a single event, is classified as deferred revenue and recognized over the term of the agreement or operating season as the benefits are provided to the sponsor.
Revenue from our ticketing operations primarily consists of service fees charged at the time a ticket for an event is sold in either the primary or secondary markets. For primary tickets sold to our concert and festival events, where our concert promoters control ticketing, the revenue for the associated ticket service charges collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs and these service charges are shared between our Ticketing and Concerts segments. For primary tickets sold for events of third-party clients and secondary market sales, the revenue is recognized at the time of the sale and is recorded by our Ticketing segment. Amortization of nonrecoupable ticketing contract advances is recorded as a reduction to revenue.
We account for taxes that are externally imposed on revenue producing transactions on a net basis.
Gross versus Net Revenue Recognition
We report revenue on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether we act as a principal or agent in the transaction. To the extent we act as the principal, revenue is reported on a gross basis. The determination of whether we act as a principal or an agent in a transaction is based on an evaluation of whether we have control of the good or service before it is transferred to the customer. Our Ticketing segment’s revenue, which primarily consists of service fees from its ticketing operations, is recorded net of the face value of the ticket as well as the portion of the service fee paid to the venue as we generally act as an agent in these transactions.
Business Interruption Insurance Recovery
We record revenue or offset expense for covered business interruptions in the period we determine it is probable we will be compensated for the costs incurred or the applicable contingencies with the insurance company are resolved for lost revenue. This may result in business interruption insurance recoveries being recorded in a period subsequent to the period we experience lost revenue and/or incurred the expenses from a covered event that are being reimbursed. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we recorded business interruption insurance recoveries of $72.5 million, $51.3 million and $41.5 million, respectively. The recoveries were for a variety of claims and primarily recorded as revenue.
Foreign Currency
Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries and foreign equity investees are translated into United States dollars using the average exchange rates during the year. The assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries and investees are translated into United States dollars using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The related translation adjustments are recorded in a separate component of stockholders’ equity in AOCI. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the statements of operations and include the impact of revaluation of certain foreign currency denominated net assets or liabilities held internationally. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2023, we recorded net foreign currency transaction losses of $61.1 million and $74.5 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded net foreign currency transaction gains of $14.7 million.
Advertising Expense
We record advertising expense in the year that it is incurred. Throughout the year, general advertising expenses are recognized as they are incurred, but event-related advertising for concerts is recognized once the event occurs. If an event is rescheduled into the following year, the advertising costs are expensed in the period the event is rescheduled. However, all advertising costs incurred during the year and not previously recognized are expensed at the end of the year. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, advertising expenses of $731.6 million, $750.9 million and $706.2 million , respectively, were recorded as a component of direct operating expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, advertising expenses of $59.8 million, $54.6 million and $47.7 million, respectively, were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.
Direct Operating Expenses
Direct operating expenses include artist fees, event-related marketing and advertising expenses, rent expense for events in third-party venues, credit card fees, telecommunication and data communication costs associated with our call centers, commissions paid on tickets distributed through independent sales outlets away from the box office, and salaries and wages related to seasonal employees at our venues along with other costs, including ticket stock and shipping. These costs are primarily variable in nature. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we reclassified certain software technology costs from selling, general and administrative expenses to direct operating expenses of $52.7 million and $40.2 million, respectively, all within our Ticketing segment, due to the variable nature of these expenses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries and other compensation costs related to full-time employees, fixed rent, travel and entertainment, legal expenses and consulting along with other costs.
Litigation Accruals
We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. Management’s estimates used have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings.
Non-cash and Stock-based Compensation
We follow the fair value recognition provisions in the FASB guidance for stock compensation. Stock-based compensation expense includes compensation expense for all share-based payments using the estimated grant date fair value. Stock-based compensation expense is adjusted for forfeitures as they occur.
The fair value for options in Live Nation stock is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the options is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the options’ vesting period. We use an expected volatility based on an even weighting of our own traded options and historical volatility. We use a weighted-average expected life based on historical experience calculated with the assistance of outside consultants. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the United States Treasury note rate.
The fair value of restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards, which is generally the stock price on the date of grant, is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period except for restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards with minimum performance or market targets as their vesting condition. The performance-based awards are amortized to expense on a graded basis over the vesting period to the extent that it is probable that the performance criteria will be met. Market-based award fair values are estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model and are then amortized to expense on a graded basis over the derived service period, which is estimated as the median weighted average vesting period from the Monte Carlo simulation models. However, unlike awards with a service or performance condition, the expense for market-based awards will not be reversed solely because the market condition is not satisfied.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes including, but not limited to, legal, tax and insurance accruals, acquisition accounting and impairments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Accounting Standards Updates (ASU)
In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, “Business Combinations—Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement,” which requires joint ventures to initially measure all contributions received upon its formation at fair value. We adopted this guidance prospectively for all joint venture formations with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025. The adoption did not and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-08, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets," which requires measurement of crypto assets at fair value each reporting period with changes in fair value recognized on the income statement. This guidance also requires disclosure on significant holdings, contractual sale restrictions and changes during the reporting period of crypto assets. We adopted ASU 2023-08 on January 1, 2025 under the modified retrospective method and recorded a $8.9 million decrease to the opening balance of accumulated deficit and a corresponding increase to intangible assets. We do not engage in speculative investment activities related to crypto assets.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” which prescribes standardized categories and disaggregation of information in the reconciliation of provision for income taxes, requires disclosure of disaggregated income taxes paid, and modifies other income tax-related disclosure requirements. We prospectively adopted these disclosures for our annual reporting period ending December 31, 2025 within Note 9 – Income Taxes.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses,” which requires the disclosure of additional information related to certain costs and expenses, including amounts of inventory purchases, employee compensation, and depreciation and amortization included in each income statement line item. The guidance also requires disclosure of the total amount of selling expenses and the Company’s definition of selling expenses. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The guidance is to be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date or retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating this guidance and we expect the adoption will result in additional disclosures.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-07, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Derivatives Scope Refinements and Scope Clarification for Share-Based Noncash Consideration from a Customer in a Revenue Contract,” which expands Topic 815 scope exceptions to include contracts for which settlement is based on operations or activities specific to one of the parties to the contract. This guidance also clarifies how Topic 606 applies for share-based payments received as noncash consideration from customers. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted and is to be applied either prospectively to new contracts entered into on or after the date of adoption, or on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the annual reporting period of adoption for contracts existing as of the beginning of the annual reporting period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance and we do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
v3.25.4
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
LONG-LIVED ASSETS [Abstract]  
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment includes expenditures for the construction of new venues, major renovations to existing buildings or buildings that are being added to our venue network, the development of new ticketing tools and technology enhancements along with the renewal and improvement of existing venues and technology systems, web development and administrative offices. For certain projects with significant expected costs and an extended construction period, we capitalize interest. For the year ended December 31, 2025, we recorded $24.0 million of capitalized interest.
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
    Land, buildings and improvements$2,873,491 $2,325,929 
    Computer equipment and capitalized software815,403 867,294 
    Furniture and other equipment952,651 757,803 
    Construction in progress830,878 386,880 
Property, plant and equipment, gross5,472,423 4,337,906 
    Less: accumulated depreciation2,056,652 1,896,034 
Property, plant and equipment, net$3,415,771 $2,441,872 
Definite-lived Intangible Assets
The following table presents the changes in the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Revenue-
generating
contracts
Client /
vendor
relationships
Venue managementTrademarks
and
naming
rights
Technology and Other (1)
Total
 (in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2023:
Gross carrying amount
$925,257 $583,436 $226,788 $183,493 $20,220 $1,939,194 
Accumulated amortization
(336,625)(251,649)(79,218)(104,036)(6,045)(777,573)
Net
588,632 331,787 147,570 79,457 14,175 1,161,621 
Gross carrying amount:
Acquisitions and additions
current year
68,453 52,406 35,273 7,331 7,551 171,014 
Acquisitions and additions
prior year
826 4,066 — — 4,895 
Foreign exchange
(96,995)(32,993)(6,954)(14,096)(709)(151,747)
Other (2)
(77,947)(39,343)(23,930)(14,240)(825)(156,285)
Net change
(105,663)(15,864)4,392 (21,005)6,017 (132,123)
Accumulated amortization:
Amortization
(111,711)(86,637)(23,978)(17,791)(9,142)(249,259)
Foreign exchange
29,331 12,013 2,185 5,096 89 48,714 
Other (2)
79,707 39,892 24,066 11,763 1,432 156,860 
Net change
(2,673)(34,732)2,273 (932)(7,621)(43,685)
Balance as of December 31, 2024:
Gross carrying amount
819,594 567,572 231,180 162,488 26,237 1,807,071 
Accumulated amortization
(339,298)(286,381)(76,945)(104,968)(13,667)(821,259)
Net
480,296 281,191 154,235 57,520 12,570 985,812 
Gross carrying amount:
Acquisitions and additions
current year
52,409 203,456 22,529 2,241 20,934 301,569 
Acquisitions and additions
prior year
— 165 — — — 165 
Foreign exchange
74,948 24,818 6,882 8,354 1,087 116,089 
Other (2)
(160,749)(64,523)(18,161)(69,794)3,148 (310,079)
Net change
(33,392)163,916 11,250 (59,199)25,169 107,744 
Accumulated amortization:
Amortization
(107,524)(102,548)(30,033)(14,270)(10,196)(264,571)
Foreign exchange
(29,106)(10,085)(2,774)(3,225)(479)(45,669)
Other (2)
140,445 64,321 18,280 69,805 2,286 295,137 
Net change
3,815 (48,312)(14,527)52,310 (8,389)(15,103)
Balance as of December 31, 2025:
Gross carrying amount
786,202 731,488 242,430 103,289 51,406 1,914,815 
Accumulated amortization
(335,483)(334,693)(91,472)(52,658)(22,056)(836,362)
Net
$450,719 $396,795 $150,958 $50,631 $29,350 $1,078,453 
___________________
(1) Other primarily includes crypto assets and intangible assets for non-compete agreements.
(2) Other primarily includes netdowns of fully amortized or impaired assets as well as mark-to-market adjustments of crypto assets.
Included in the current year acquisitions amounts above for 2025 are definite-lived intangible assets primarily associated with the acquisitions of an artist management business and a concert promotion business, both located in Latin America, as well as a festival promotion business in Europe, a concert promotion business in Asia Pacific and an artist management business in the United States.
Included in the current year acquisitions amounts above for 2024 are definite-lived intangible assets primarily associated with the acquisitions of certain festival promotion, venue and artist management businesses located in the United States.
The additions to definite-lived intangible assets from acquisitions have weighted-average lives as follows:
  
Weighted-Average Life
20252024
(in years)
Revenue-generating contracts59
Client/vendor relationships65
Trademarks and naming rights56
Technology53
Venue management36
All categories67
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $264.6 million, $249.3 million and $237.6 million, respectively.
The following table presents our estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangible assets that exist at December 31, 2025:
 
 (in thousands)
2026$248,128 
2027$213,169 
2028$181,755 
2029$153,145 
2030$103,539 
As acquisitions and dispositions occur in the future and the valuations of intangible assets for recent acquisitions are completed, amortization expense may vary.
Indefinite-lived Intangibles
We have indefinite-lived intangible assets which consist of trade names. These indefinite-lived intangible assets had a carrying value of $369.0 million and $380.6 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Goodwill
The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
ConcertsTicketingSponsorship
& Advertising
Total
 (in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2023:
Goodwill $1,439,579 $1,012,530 $674,720 $3,126,829 
Accumulated impairment losses (435,363)— — (435,363)
                 Net1,004,216 1,012,530 674,720 2,691,466 
Acquisitions—current year41,095 507 1,015 42,617 
Acquisitions—prior year4,136 — — 4,136 
Foreign exchange(22,708)(48,816)(45,784)(117,308)
Balance as of December 31, 2024:
Goodwill 1,462,102 964,221 629,951 3,056,274 
Accumulated impairment losses (435,363)— — (435,363)
                 Net1,026,739 964,221 629,951 2,620,911 
Acquisitions—current year144,657 9,727 — 154,384 
Acquisitions—prior year(274)— — (274)
Foreign exchange8,703 40,632 64,823 114,157 
Balance as of December 31, 2025:
Goodwill1,615,188 1,014,580 694,774 3,324,541 
Accumulated impairment losses(435,363)— — (435,363)
                 Net$1,179,825 $1,014,580 $694,774 $2,889,178 
Included in the current year acquisitions amounts above for 2025 is goodwill primarily associated with the acquisitions of an artist management business and a concert promotion business, both located in Latin America, as well as a venue management business and a concert and festival promotion business located in Europe.
Included in the current year acquisitions amounts above for 2024 is goodwill primarily associated with the acquisitions of an artist management business and certain festival and concert promotion businesses located in the United States.
We are in various stages of finalizing our acquisition accounting for recent acquisitions, which may include the use of external valuation consultants, and the completion of this accounting could result in a change to the associated purchase price allocations, including goodwill and the allocation between segments.
v3.25.4
LEASES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Leases [Abstract]  
Lessee, Operating Leases
The significant components of operating lease expense are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Operating lease cost$309,999 $264,339 
Variable and short-term lease cost203,094 182,372 
Sublease income(7,461)(6,006)
Net lease cost$505,632 $440,705 
Many of our leases contain contingent rent obligations based on revenue, tickets sold or other variables. Contingent rent obligations, including those related to subsequent changes in the prevailing index or market rate after lease inception, are not included in the initial measurement of the lease asset or liability and are recorded as rent expense in the period that the contingency is resolved.
Supplemental cash flow information for our operating leases is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities$244,159 $249,052 
Lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, net of terminations$385,319 $249,501 

Future maturities of our operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2025 are as follows:
(in thousands)
2026$286,012 
2027254,108 
2028289,268 
2029268,627 
2030251,379 
Thereafter2,407,075 
Total lease payments3,756,469 
Less: Interest1,551,731 
Present value of lease liabilities$2,204,738 

The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for our operating leases are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
20252024
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)15.114.5
Weighted average discount rate6.33%6.24%
As of December 31, 2025, we have additional operating leases that have not yet commenced with total lease payments of $977.9 million. These operating leases, which are not included on our consolidated balance sheets, have commencement dates ranging from January 2026 to June 2030 with lease terms ranging from 5 to 39 years.
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt, which includes finance leases, consisted of the following:
December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Senior Secured Credit Facility:
Term loan B$1,300,000 $828,163 
6.5% Senior Secured Notes due 20271,200,000 1,200,000 
3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028500,000 500,000 
5.625% Senior Notes due 2026— 300,000 
4.75% Senior Notes due 2027950,000 950,000 
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025— 83,957 
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029999,958 1,000,000 
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 20301,100,000 1,100,000 
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 20311,400,000 — 
Other debt818,701 529,257 
Total principal amount8,268,659 6,491,377 
Less: unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs(69,011)(53,308)
Total debt, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs 8,199,648 6,438,069 
Less: current portion587,630 260,901 
Total long-term debt, net$7,612,018 $6,177,168 
Future maturities of debt at December 31, 2025 are as follows:
(in thousands)
2026$587,630 
20272,199,465 
20281,531,763 
20291,119,342 
2030142,964 
Thereafter2,687,495 
Total$8,268,659 
All debt without a stated maturity date is considered current and is reflected as maturing in the earliest period shown in the table above. See Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements for discussion of the fair value measurement of our debt.
Amended Senior Secured Credit Facility
In October 2025, we amended, restated and refinanced, our existing senior secured credit facility and entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement amended and restated our then-existing credit agreement (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Credit Agreement, the “Prior Credit Agreement”), and provides for (i) a $1.3 billion multicurrency revolving credit facility (the “new multicurrency revolving facility”), (ii) a $400 million venue expansion revolving credit facility (the “new venue expansion revolving facility” and together with the new multicurrency revolving facility, the “new revolving facilities”), (iii) a $700 million delayed draw term loan A facility (the “new delayed draw term loan A facility”), and (iv) a $1.3 billion term loan B facility (the “new term loan B facility” and together with the new revolving facilities and the new delayed draw term loan A facility, the “new senior secured credit facilities”). The new term loan B facility was fully drawn at the closing of the new senior secured credit facilities. The new multicurrency revolving facility provides for sublimits of up to $250 million for the issuance of letters of credit and $200 million for swingline loans.
Proceeds of the new term loan B facility were used to refinance obligations under the Prior Credit Agreement, with any excess proceeds available for working capital, for general corporate purposes, and to finance other permitted transactions. Proceeds of borrowings under the new revolving facilities and the new delayed draw term loan A facility may be used for working capital, for general corporate purposes and to finance other permitted transactions.
The commitments under the new delayed draw term loan A facility will expire on October 21, 2027 unless drawn prior to such date. The new revolving facilities and the new delayed draw term loan A facility mature on October 21, 2030; provided, that if (x) any of our 2027 senior secured notes or the 2027 senior unsecured notes remain outstanding on the date that is ninety-one days prior to the stated maturity thereof in an aggregate principal amount in excess of $500 million and (y) our consolidated free cash on such date is less than the sum of such outstanding principal amount plus $500 million, then the maturity date of the new revolving facilities and the new delayed draw term loan A facility will instead be the date that is ninety-one days prior to the stated maturity of our 2027 senior secured notes, 2027 senior unsecured notes or any permitted refinancing or extension of such indebtedness, as applicable. The new term loan B facility matures on October 21, 2032.
The interest rates per annum applicable to the new revolving facilities and the new delayed term loan A facility are, at our option, equal to either Term SOFR plus 1.50% or an adjusted base rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) plus 0.50%, subject to two stepdowns based on our secured leverage ratio. The interest rates per annum applicable to the new term loan B facility are, at our option, equal to either Term SOFR plus 2.00% or an adjusted base rate plus 1.00%. We have an interest rate swap agreement that ensures the interest rate on $500.0 million principal amount of our outstanding term loan B does not exceed 3.445% through October 2026.
We are required to pay a commitment fee equal to 0.35% per annum on the undrawn portion available under the new revolving facilities and the new delayed draw term loan A facility, and customary letter of credit fees, as necessary. Based on our outstanding letters of credit of $20.5 million, $1.68 billion was available for future borrowings from our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2025.
Commencing at the earlier of (i) the date on which the commitments under the new delayed draw term loan A facility have been reduced to zero and (ii) October 21, 2027, we will be required to make quarterly payments on borrowings under the new delayed draw term loan A facility at a rate equal to, for the first three years after October 21, 2025, 0.625% of the original principal amount thereof, and thereafter, 1.25% of the original principal amount thereof. We will be required to make quarterly payments on the new term loan B facility at a rate equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount thereof. We are also required to make mandatory prepayments of the loans under the new senior secured credit facilities, subject to specified exceptions, from excess cash flow and with the proceeds of asset sales, debt issuances, and other specified events.
Our obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. The obligations under the Credit Agreement and the guarantees are secured by a lien on substantially all of our tangible and intangible personal property and the domestic subsidiaries that are guarantors, and by a pledge of substantially all of the shares of stock, partnership interests and limited liability company interests of our direct domestic subsidiaries and the guarantors and 65% of each class of capital stock of any of our first-tier foreign subsidiaries and the guarantors, subject to limited exceptions.
On August 14, 2025, we drew down $775.0 million from our Prior Credit Agreement primarily to finance the acquisition of an additional 24% interest in OCESA from CIE and for other general corporate purposes. This borrowing was fully repaid in October 2025.
6.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2027
At December 31, 2025, we had $1.2 billion principal amount of 6.5% senior secured notes due 2027. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year and the notes will mature on May 15, 2027. On or after May 15, 2025 we may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at redemption prices starting at 101.625% of their principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. We must make an offer to redeem the notes at 101% of their aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date, if we experience certain defined changes of control. The notes are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the tangible and intangible personal property of LNE and LNE’s domestic subsidiaries that are guarantors, and by a pledge of substantially all of the shares of stock, partnership interests and limited liability company interests of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and 65% of each class of capital stock of any first-tier foreign subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions.
3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028
At December 31, 2025, we had $500.0 million principal amount of 3.75% senior secured notes due 2028. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, and will mature on January 15, 2028. On or after January 15, 2025, we may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at redemption prices starting at 101.875% of their principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. We must make an offer to redeem the notes at 101% of their aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date, if we experience certain defined changes of control. The notes are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the tangible and intangible personal property of LNE and LNE’s domestic subsidiaries that are guarantors, and by a pledge of substantially all of the shares of stock, partnership interests and limited liability company interests of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries.
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027
At December 31, 2025, we had $950.0 million principal amount of 4.75% senior notes due 2027. Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, and will mature on October 15, 2027. On or after October 15, 2025, we may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at redemption prices starting at 100% of their principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. We must make an offer to redeem the notes at 101% of their aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the repurchase date, if we experience certain defined changes of control.
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029
At December 31, 2025, we had $1.0 billion principal amount of 3.125% convertible senior notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”). Interest on the 2029 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15, beginning July 15, 2023, at a rate of 3.125% per annum. The notes will mature on January 15, 2029, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. The notes will be convertible, under certain circumstances, until October 15, 2028, and on or after such date without condition, at an initial conversion rate of 9.2259 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment, which represents a 50% conversion premium based on the last reported sale price for our common stock of $72.26 on January 9, 2023 prior to issuing the debt. Upon conversion, the notes may be settled in, at our election, shares of common stock or cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Assuming we fully settle the notes in shares, the maximum number of shares that could be issued to satisfy the conversion is 13.8 million as of December 31, 2025.
We may redeem for cash all or any portion of the 2029 Notes, at our option, on or after January 21, 2026 and before the 41st scheduled trading day before the maturity date, if the sales price of our common stock reaches specified targets as defined in the indenture. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest, if any, and the conversion ratio, at which the notes called for redemption may be converted, may be increased depending on timing of the redemption and the price of our common stock at such time.
If we experience a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the 2029 Notes, the holders of the 2029 Notes may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes, subject to specified exceptions, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
As of December 31, 2025, the remaining period for the unamortized debt issuance costs balance of $8.1 million was approximately three years and the value of the notes, if converted and fully settled in shares, exceeded the principal amount of the notes by $314.7 million. As of December 31, 2025, the effective interest rate on the notes was 3.17%.
In connection with the issuance of the 2029 Notes, we entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with several counterparties. The cap price of the capped call transactions is initially $144.52, which represents a premium of 100% over the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock on January 9, 2023. The cost of the capped call transactions was $75.5 million and was charged to additional paid-in capital.
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030
At December 31, 2025, we had $1.1 billion principal amount of 2.875% convertible senior notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”). Interest on the 2030 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15, beginning July 15, 2025, at a rate of 2.875% per annum. The 2030 Notes will mature on January 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. The 2030 Notes will be convertible, under certain circumstances, until October 15, 2029, and on or after such date without condition, at an initial conversion rate of 5.2005 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment, which represents a 40.0% conversion premium based on the last reported sale price for our common stock of $137.35 on December 3, 2024 prior to issuing the debt. Upon conversion, the notes may be settled in, at our election, shares of common stock or cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Assuming we fully settle the notes in shares, the maximum number of shares that could be issued to satisfy the conversion is 8.0 million as of December 31, 2025.
We may redeem for cash all or any portion of the 2030 Notes, at our option, on or after January 24, 2028 and before the 41st scheduled trading day before the maturity date, if the sales price of our common stock reaches specified targets as defined in the indenture. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest, if any, and the conversion ratio, at which the notes called for redemption may be converted, may be increased depending on timing of the redemption and the price of our common stock at such time.
If we experience a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes, the holders of the 2030 Notes may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes, subject to specified exceptions, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
As of December 31, 2025, the remaining period for the unamortized debt issuance costs balance of $14.7 million was approximately four years and the value of the notes, if converted and fully settled in shares, did not exceed the principal amount of the notes. As of December 31, 2025, the effective interest rate on the notes was 2.913%.
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031
In October 2025, we issued $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031 (the “2031 Notes”). Interest on the 2031 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15, beginning on April 15, 2026, at a rate of 2.875% per annum. The 2031 Notes will mature on October 15, 2031, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. The 2031 Notes will be convertible, under certain circumstances, until July 15, 2031, and on or after such date without condition, at an initial conversion rate of 4.4459 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to adjustment, which represents a 50.0% conversion premium based on the last reported sale price for our common stock of $149.95 on October 8, 2025 prior to issuing the debt. Upon conversion, the notes may be settled in, at our election, shares of common stock or cash or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Assuming we fully settle the notes in shares, the maximum number of shares that could be issued to satisfy the conversion is 9.3 million as of December 31, 2025.
We may redeem for cash all or any portion of the 2031 Notes, at our option, on or after October 20, 2028 and before the 41st scheduled trading day before the maturity date, if the sales price of our common stock reaches specified targets as defined in the indenture. The redemption price will equal 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest, if any, and the conversion ratio, at which the notes called for redemption may be converted, may be increased depending on timing of the redemption and the price of our common stock at such time.
If we experience a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture governing the 2031 Notes, the holders of the 2031 Notes may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes, subject to specified exceptions, at a repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
As of December 31, 2025, the remaining period for the unamortized debt issuance costs balance of $20.6 million was approximately six years and the value of the notes, if converted and fully settled in shares, did not exceed the principal amount of the notes. As of December 31, 2025, the effective interest rate on the notes was 3.11%.
Interest Cost on Convertible Senior Notes
The following table summarizes the amount of pre-tax interest cost recognized on the convertible senior notes:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
 (in thousands)
Interest cost recognized relating to: 
Contractual interest coupon$71,855 $41,289 $39,159 
Amortization of debt issuance costs7,104 4,095 3,912 
Total interest cost recognized on the convertible senior notes$78,959 $45,384 $43,071 
Debt Extinguishment
On February 18, 2025, we utilized $84.8 million of our existing cash balance to repay the remaining aggregate principal amount of our 2.0% convertible senior notes due February 2025 plus accrued interest and we issued 182,560 shares of common stock to holders as a result of conversion.
In conjunction with the issuance of the 2031 Notes, we utilized the net proceeds to fund the full redemption of $300.0 million of our 5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 plus accrued interest.
Other Debt
As of December 31, 2025, other debt includes $275.0 million for a note due in 2026 related to an acquisition of a venue in the United States during the first quarter of 2023, $136.2 million for a Euro denominated note due in 2026, debt to noncontrolling interest partners of $23.5 million and capital leases of $4.2 million. Our other debt has a weighted average cost of debt of 4.3% and maturities at various dates through September 2050.
Debt Covenants
Our Credit Agreement contains a number of restrictions that, among other things, require us to satisfy a financial covenant and restrict our and our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional debt, make certain investments and acquisitions, repurchase our stock and prepay certain indebtedness, create liens, enter into agreements with affiliates, modify the nature of our business, enter into sale-leaseback transactions, transfer and sell material assets, merge or consolidate, and pay dividends and make distributions (with the exception of subsidiary dividends or distributions to the parent company or other subsidiaries on at least a pro-rata basis with any noncontrolling interest partners). Non-compliance with one or more of the covenants and restrictions could result in the full or partial principal balance of the credit facility becoming immediately due and payable. Our Credit Agreement contains a financial covenant that requires us to maintain a maximum ratio of consolidated net debt to consolidated EBITDA (both as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) that ranges from 6.75x to 5.25x, with the first measurement occurring after the quarter ended March 31, 2026, the first step down of 0.50x occurring on March 31, 2027 and additional step downs of 0.50x occurring annually thereafter.
The indentures governing our 6.5% senior secured notes, 3.75% senior secured notes and 4.75% senior notes contain covenants that limit, among other things, our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to incur certain additional indebtedness, make certain distributions, investments and other restricted payments, sell certain assets, agree to any restrictions on the ability of restricted subsidiaries to make payments to us, merge, consolidate or sell all of our assets, create certain liens, and engage in transactions with affiliates on terms that are not on an arms-length basis. Certain covenants, including those pertaining to incurrence of indebtedness, restricted payments, asset sales, mergers, and transactions with affiliates will be suspended during any period in which the notes are rated investment grade by both rating agencies and no default or event of default under the indenture has occurred and is continuing.
Some of our other subsidiary indebtedness includes restrictions on entering into various transactions, such as acquisitions and disposals, and prohibits payment of ordinary dividends. They also have financial covenants including minimum consolidated EBITDA to consolidated net interest payable, minimum consolidated cash flow to consolidated debt service, maximum consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA and minimum liquidity, all as defined in the applicable debt agreements.
As of December 31, 2025, we believe we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants related to our senior secured credit facility and our corporate senior secured notes, senior notes and convertible senior notes. We expect to remain in compliance with all of these covenants throughout 2026.
v3.25.4
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
We primarily use forward currency contracts and options to reduce our exposure to foreign currency risk associated with short-term artist fee commitments. We may also enter into forward currency contracts to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with changes in foreign currency rates on forecasted operating income. These instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments and any change in fair value is reported in earnings during the period of the change. Our foreign currency derivative activity, including the related fair values, are not material to any period presented.
In January 2020, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement that is designated as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes to effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis. The swap agreement expires in October 2026, has a notional amount of $500.0 million and ensures that a portion of our floating-rate debt does not exceed 3.445%. The principal objective of this contract is to reduce the variability of the cash flow in our variable rate interest payments associated with our senior secured term loan B facility, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expense. Cash flows associated with the interest rate swap agreement are reflected as cash flows from operating activities within our consolidated statements of cash flows. As of December 31, 2025, there is no ineffective portion or amount excluded from effectiveness testing.
As a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the loss on the derivative instrument was reported as a component of other comprehensive loss. Amounts are deferred in other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the same line item associated with the forecasted transaction in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.
We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes and do not anticipate any significant recognition of derivative activity through the income statement in the future related to the instruments currently held. See Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements for further discussion and disclosure of the fair values for our derivative instruments.
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Recurring
We currently have various financial instruments carried at fair value, such as marketable securities, derivatives and contingent consideration, but do not currently have nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Our financial assets and liabilities are measured using inputs from all levels of the fair value hierarchy as defined in the FASB guidance for fair value. For this categorization, only inputs that are significant to the fair value are considered. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1—Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that can be accessed at the measurement date.
Level 2—Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.) and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (i.e., market corroborated inputs).
Level 3—Unobservable inputs that reflect assumptions about what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs would be based on the best information available, including our own data.
In accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above, the following table shows the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which are classified on the balance sheets as cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, other long-term assets, other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities:
 Fair Value Measurements 
 
at December 31, 2025
Fair Value Measurements 
 
at December 31, 2024
 Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
  (in thousands)  (in thousands) 
Assets:
Short-term investments$76,550 $— $— $76,550 $— $— $— $— 
Crypto assets (1)
6,249 — — 6,249 — — — — 
Interest rate swaps
— 9,672 — 9,672 — 29,251 — 29,251 
Forward currency contracts
— 1,629 — 1,629 — 9,462 — 9,462 
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates— — — — 122 — — 122 
Total$82,799 $11,301 $— $94,100 $122 $38,713 $— $38,835 
Liabilities:
Equity awards
$— $— $6,335 $6,335 $— $— $6,300 $6,300 
Forward currency contracts
— 4,864 — 4,864 — 380 — 380 
Contingent consideration
— — 299,682 299,682 — — 48,311 48,311 
Total$— $4,864 $306,017 $310,881 $— $380 $54,611 $54,991 
___________________
(1)    Refer to Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Other Information — Accounting Standards Updates for further discussion on the adoption of ASU 2023-08.
Short-term investments consist of money market funds and have original maturities beyond three months but less than one year, or not readily convertible to cash. Crypto assets consist of cryptocurrencies. Fair values for short-term investments and crypto assets are based on quoted prices in an active market. The fair value for our interest rate swap is based upon inputs corroborated by observable market data with similar tenors. Fair values for forward currency contracts are based on observable market transactions of spot and forward rates. The fair value of our investments in nonconsolidated affiliates are based quoted prices in an active market.
Certain equity awards are based on the Company’s annual performance goals and achievement criteria. These awards are accounted for as liability-classified awards under GAAP and have performance goals that, if met, are vested quarterly over a period of up to two years, with the number of shares of common stock determined based on the Company’s grant date stock price.
We have certain contingent consideration obligations related to acquisitions which are measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs. The amounts due to the sellers are based on the achievement of agreed-upon financial performance metrics by the acquired companies where the contingent obligation is either earned or not earned. We record the liability at the time of the acquisition based on the present value of management’s best estimates of the future results of the acquired companies compared to the agreed-upon metrics. Subsequent to the date of acquisition, we update the original valuation to reflect current projections of future results of the acquired companies and the passage of time. Accretion of, and changes in the valuations of, contingent consideration are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses. See Note 7 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities for additional information related to the contingent payments.
Due to their short maturity, the carrying amounts of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximated their fair values at December 31, 2025 and 2024.
Our outstanding debt held by third-party financial institutions is carried at cost, adjusted for discounts or debt issuance costs. Our debt is not publicly traded and the carrying amounts typically approximate fair value for debt that accrues interest at a variable rate, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs.
The following table presents the estimated fair values of our senior secured notes, senior notes and convertible senior notes at December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Estimated Fair Value at:
December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
Level 2
(in thousands)
6.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2027$1,211,148 $1,213,896 
3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028$492,740 $472,635 
5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 (1)
$— $299,529 
4.75% Senior Notes due 2027$952,765 $919,049 
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 (2)
$— $103,032 
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029$1,456,399 $1,365,560 
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030$1,161,182 $1,105,852 
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031 (1)
$1,379,560 $— 
___________________
(1)
 In October 2025, we issued $1.4 billion principal amount of 2.875% convertible senior notes due 2031 and repurchased $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.625% convertible senior notes due 2026.
(2)
In March 2025, we repurchased the remaining aggregate principal amount. Refer to Note 4 – Long-Term Debt for further discussion.
The estimated fair value of our third-party fixed-rate debt is based on quoted market prices in active markets for the same or similar debt, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs.
Non-recurring
For the year ended December 31, 2025, there were no significant non-recurring fair value measurements.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a gain related to an investment in a nonconsolidated affiliate of $31.8 million, as well as, a gain related to a warrant in a nonconsolidated affiliate of $41.5 million, as a component of other income, net. To calculate the gain on the investment, we remeasured the investment to fair value of $142.2 million using an observable price from orderly transactions for a similar investment of the same issuer. We remeasured the warrant to fair value of $66.9 million using an option pricing model.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we also recorded a gain related to an investment in a nonconsolidated affiliate of $24.4 million, as a component of other income, net. The gain was related to the acquisition of a controlling interest in a concert business, which was previously accounted for as an equity-method investment. To calculate the gain, we remeasured the investment to fair value of $35.9 million using the income approach method.
The key inputs in these fair value measurements include a future cash flow projection, including revenue, profit margins, and adjustment related to discount for lack of marketability. The key inputs used for these non-recurring fair value measurements are considered Level 3 inputs.
v3.25.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
We have non-cancelable contracts related to minimum performance payments with various artists, other event-related costs and nonrecoupable ticketing contract advances. We also have commitments relating to additions to property, plant, and equipment under certain construction commitments for facilities and venues.
As of December 31, 2025, our future minimum payments under non-cancelable contracts and capital expenditure commitments consist of the following:
 
Non-cancelable
Contracts
Capital
Expenditures
 (in thousands)
2026$2,423,299 $28,384 
2027806,187 14,732 
2028292,010 3,676 
2029449,493 2,838 
2030159,120 2,124 
Thereafter346,409 67,338 
Total$4,476,518 $119,092 
Certain agreements relating to acquisitions provide for deferred purchase consideration payments at future dates. A liability is established at the time of the acquisition for these fixed payments. For obligations payable at a date greater than twelve months from the acquisition date, we apply a discount rate to calculate the present value of the obligations. As of December 31, 2025, we have accrued $9.4 million in other current liabilities and $6.3 million in other long-term liabilities and, as of December 31, 2024, we had accrued $1.5 million in other current liabilities and $11.8 million in other long-term liabilities, related to these deferred purchase consideration payments.
We have contingent obligations related to acquisitions which were accounted for as business combinations. Contingent consideration associated with business combinations is recorded at fair value at the time of the acquisition and reflected at current fair value for each subsequent reporting period thereafter until settled. We record these fair value changes in our statements of operations as selling, general and administrative expenses. The contingent consideration is generally subject to payout following the achievement of future performance targets and a portion is expected to be payable in the next twelve months. As of December 31, 2025, we have accrued $276.1 million in other current liabilities and $23.6 million in other long-term liabilities and, as of December 31, 2024, we had accrued $39.3 million in other current liabilities and $9.0 million in other long-term liabilities, representing the fair value of these estimated payments. The last contingency period for which we have an outstanding contingent payment is for the period ending July 2049. See Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements for further discussion related to the valuation of these contingent payments.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we guaranteed the debt of third parties of approximately $17.0 million and $19.4 million, respectively, primarily related to maximum credit limits on employee and tour-related credit cards and obligations under a venue management agreement.
Litigation
Governmental Investigations and Litigation
Department of Justice Complaint
In May 2024, the United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, together with the attorneys general of twenty-nine states plus the District of Columbia, filed a civil antitrust complaint (the “Complaint”) against Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. and Ticketmaster in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging violations of various federal and state laws pertaining to antitrust, competition, unlawful or unfair business practices, restraint of trade, and other causes of action. The United States filed an Amended Complaint in August 2024, adding ten additional states as plaintiffs but not otherwise materially amending the claims asserted in the lawsuit. The Complaint requests various forms of relief for the alleged violations, including without limitation the divestiture of Ticketmaster by the Company, cancellation of certain ticketing contracts, enjoining the Company from engaging in anticompetitive practices, and other forms of relief. Twenty-four states also seek damages for their citizens allegedly caused by anticompetitive ticketing practices.
As of this date, discovery is substantially completed. The 24 states seeking damages have disclosed a damages study asserting that the allegedly anticompetitive ticketing practices raised ticketing fees. The Company contests that the alleged overcharge (the amount of which is subject to a confidentiality order) has occurred or was caused by anticompetitive conduct. The Company filed summary judgment motions in November 2025, which were partially granted in February 2026. Trial on the remaining claims is set for March 2026.
The Company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims asserted in the lawsuit and will vigorously defend itself. Nevertheless, the defense or resolution of this matter could involve significant monetary costs or penalties and have a significant impact on the Company’s financial results and operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in negotiating a favorable settlement or in litigation. Any remedies or compliance requirements could adversely affect the Company’s ability to operate our business or have a materially adverse impact on the Company’s financial results. At this stage, we are unable to estimate a reasonably possible financial loss or range of any potential financial loss, if any, as a result of this litigation.
Federal Trade Commission Complaint
In September 2025, the United States Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), joined by the attorneys general of seven states, filed a lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. and Ticketmaster L.L.C. in the Central District of California. The plaintiffs allege that Live Nation and Ticketmaster advertised ticket prices to consumers that were deceptively lower than prices displayed at checkout, deceived consumers about the enforcement of advertised event ticket purchase limits and facilitated the sale of tickets unlawfully acquired by ticket brokers. The plaintiffs also allege that the Company violated the Better Online Ticket Sales Act and Section 5 of the FTC Act, as well as various state consumer protection statutes. The plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, statutory penalties and restitution for consumers. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the complaint in January 2026.
Based on information presently known to management, we do not believe that a loss is probable of occurring at this time, and considerable uncertainty exists regarding the monetary penalties or other relief that the FTC could obtain in litigation. The Company will vigorously defend itself.
Antitrust Litigation
The Company is a defendant in three putative antitrust consumer class actions alleging violations of federal and state antitrust laws, among other causes of action. In Heckman, et al. v. Live Nation Entertainment, et al., filed in the Central District of California in January 2022, the District Court denied defendants’ motion to compel arbitration in August 2023. The Ninth Circuit affirmed the District Court’s ruling in October 2024. In January 2025, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, which was granted in part and denied in part in April 2025. In December 2025, the court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The Company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims alleged in the lawsuit and will continue to vigorously defend itself.
Two other putative class actions were filed in the Southern District of New York in August and September 2024: In Re Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. and Ticketmaster L.L.C. Antitrust Litigation, and Jacobson v. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., et al. While these lawsuits are at their initial stages, the Company believes it has substantial defenses to the claims alleged therein and will vigorously defend itself.
Other Litigation
From time to time, we are involved in other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, including proceedings and claims based upon purported violations of antitrust laws, intellectual property rights and tortious interference, which could cause us to incur significant expenses. We have also been the subject of personal injury and wrongful death claims relating to accidents at certain venues in connection with our operations. As required, we have accrued our estimate of the probable settlement or other losses for the resolution of any outstanding claims. These estimates have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, including, in some cases, estimated redemption rates for the settlement offered, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings.
v3.25.4
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Transactions Involving Related Parties
There were no significant related-party transactions for certain relationships discussed below.
Liberty Live
Two current members of our board of directors were originally nominated by Liberty Media Corporation pursuant to a stockholder agreement. In December 2025, Liberty Media Corporation completed its split-off of its former wholly owned subsidiary, Liberty Live, which included the assignment and transfer of its significant beneficial ownership interest in Live Nation to Liberty Live. One member of our board of directors is on Liberty Live’s board of directors and one member of our board of directors is an executive officer at Liberty Live. These directors receive directors’ fees and stock-based awards on the same basis as other non-employee members of our board of directors.
Atlanta Braves
During most of 2025, one individual who had a significant beneficial ownership interest in Liberty Media Corporation also had a significant beneficial ownership interest in Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (“Atlanta Braves”). This related party relationship ended when Liberty Live was split off from Liberty Media Corporation. During 2025 while this was still a related party relationship, we leased a venue from, and provided ticketing services to the Atlanta Braves and paid royalty fees and non-recoupable ticketing contract advances. We also received transaction fees for tickets the Atlanta Braves sold using our ticketing software.
Sirius XM
Our Chief Executive Officer is a member of the board of directors of Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (“Sirius XM”), a satellite radio company that is a subsidiary of Liberty Media. From time to time, we purchase advertising from Sirius XM.
Common Stock Repurchases
On December 15, 2025, we repurchased an aggregate of 166,107 net shares of common stock from certain executive officers upon their stock option exercise. These common stock repurchases were made at the closing market price at the trade date and were allocated to treasury stock.
Transactions Involving Equity Method Investees
We conduct business with certain of our equity method investees in the ordinary course of business. Transactions primarily relate to venue rentals and ticketing services. Revenue of $2.4 million, $18.9 million and $27.9 million were earned in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and expenses of $9.8 million, $5.8 million and $6.3 million were incurred in 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, from these equity investees for services rendered or provided in relation to these business ventures.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had accounts receivable and notes receivable balances of $33.2 million and $48.0 million, respectively, due from certain of our equity investees.
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES
Significant components of the provision for income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
(in thousands)
Current:
  Federal$(6,176)$39,122 $1,250 
  Foreign345,460 253,442 229,073 
  State21,005 24,308 23,171 
Total current360,289 316,872 253,494 
Deferred:
  Federal55,229 (557,399)5,982 
  Foreign(68,207)(126,423)(51,209)
  State(7,524)(24,748)1,209 
Total deferred(20,502)(708,570)(44,018)
Income tax expense (benefit)$339,787 $(391,698)$209,476 
The domestic income before income taxes was $145.6 million, $31.8 million and $237.5 million for 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Foreign income before income taxes was $884.9 million, $707.6 million and $675.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Deferred tax liabilities:
          Intangible and fixed assets$396,428 $282,200 
          Leases233,421 210,904 
Mark to market50,780 49,691 
          Prepaid expenses10,023 3,802 
          Other9,023 779 
Total deferred tax liabilities699,675 547,376 
Deferred tax assets:
          Net operating loss carryforwards851,765 763,205 
          Leases 277,872 244,476 
          Accrued expenses209,327 251,416 
          Capitalized research and development107,585 90,477 
          Interest limitation73,037 69,128 
          Foreign tax and other credit carryforwards59,294 51,153 
          Other45,270 61,555 
          Intangible and fixed assets16,358 12,411 
          Equity compensation14,111 10,831 
Total gross deferred tax assets1,654,619 1,554,652 
          Valuation allowance587,285 569,495 
Total net deferred tax assets1,067,334 985,157 
Net deferred tax assets$367,659 $437,781 
Each reporting period, we evaluate the realizability of all of our deferred tax assets in each tax jurisdiction. The Company recorded valuation allowances of $587.3 million and $569.5 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded related to net operating losses and temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities expected to produce tax deductions and income in the future. The realization of these assets depends on recognition of sufficient future taxable income in specific tax jurisdictions in which those temporary differences or net operating losses relate.
In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized using available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of temporary differences, tax-planning strategies and future taxable income, to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of deferred tax assets. A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated is the cumulative loss incurred over recent years. Such objective negative evidence limits the Company’s ability to consider other subjective positive evidence.
At December 31, 2025, the valuation allowance primarily relates to investments in consolidated partnership and various state and foreign operating losses.
At December 31, 2025 and 2024, we recorded a net deferred tax asset of $367.7 million and $437.8 million, respectively, due principally to differences in financial reporting and tax bases in assets acquired in business combinations.
As of December 31, 2025, we have United States federal, state and foreign deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards of $254.4 million, $148.7 million and $448.7 million, respectively. Based on current statutory carryforward periods, the operating loss carryforwards will expire on various dates beginning in 2026. Our net operating losses may be subject to statutory limitations on the amount that can be used in any given year.
As of December 31, 2025, we have United States federal and state deferred tax assets related to credits of $40.4 million and $18.8 million, respectively. Based on current statutory carryforward periods, the credits will expire on various dates beginning in 2031.
A reconciliation of income tax computed at the United States federal statutory rates to income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2025 is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2025
Total%
(in thousands)
U.S. federal statutory tax rate$216,411 21.0 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect (2)
11,158 1.1 %
Foreign tax effects
Australia
Deferred taxes(12,374)(1.2)%
Other8,070 (1)0.8 %
Canada
Deferred taxes20,892 2.0 %
Other7,244 (1)0.7 %
Mexico
Nontaxable or nondeductible items25,001 2.4 %
Tax rate differential16,819 1.6 %
Other(352)(1)— %
Other foreign jurisdictions (3)
25,851 2.5 %
Effect of cross-border tax laws
Foreign income inclusion27,656 2.7 %
Other61 (1)— %
Changes in valuation allowances2,136 (1)0.2 %
Nontaxable or nondeductible items
Executive compensation in excess of $1 million35,771 3.5 %
Minority interest - nondeductible(9,856)(1)(1.0)%
Nontaxable income(15,061)(1.5)%
Other(7,237)(1)(0.7)%
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits2,528 (1)0.2 %
Return to provision(14,931)(1.3)%
Effective tax rate$339,787 33.0 %
(1)The impact of the individual reconciling item in this period is below the threshold and is not material to the users of the financial statements considering the nature and relative significance of the reconciling item.
(2)
State taxes in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas made up the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect in this category.
(3)
All other foreign jurisdictions do not exceed the 5% threshold at the jurisdiction level in total or for individual reconciling items of the same nature within each jurisdiction.
Income tax expense is principally attributable to operational results in tax paying jurisdictions.
Amounts included in Foreign Tax Effects are impacted by changes in the mix of international earnings subject to various tax rates which can differ greatly in their proximity to the United States statutory rate and current and deferred adjustments related to payable and deferred tax assets.
Amounts included in the Effect of Cross-border Tax Laws include unfavorable inclusions for Subpart F.
Nondeductible items for all years presented include the impact of increased nondeductible expenses pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) including nondeductible executive compensation.
The following table reconciles the United States federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 prior to our adoption of ASU 2023-09:
Year Ended December 31,
20242023
(in thousands)
Income tax expense at United States statutory rate of 21%
$155,280 $187,854 
Differences between foreign and United States statutory rates
70,469 86,537 
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits27,844 22,889 
Nondeductible items23,898 25,959 
United States income inclusions and exclusions(10,332)28,450 
Non-United States income inclusions and exclusions(9,466)(63,691)
Tax contingencies674 6,191 
Tax expense from acquired goodwill— 7,953 
Other, net166 784 
Change in valuation allowance(650,231)(93,450)
$(391,698)$209,476 
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1$29,692 $30,466 $22,996 
Additions:
          Increase for current year positions— 1,451 2,333 
          Increase for prior year positions1,505 1,001 4,453 
          Interest and penalties for prior years1,027 255 1,063 
Reductions:
          Statute lapse for prior year positions— (3)— 
          Settlements for prior year positions(878)(3,166)(379)
Foreign exchange187 (312)— 
Balance at December 31$31,533 $29,692 $30,466 
If we were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions, the net effect would be a decrease to our income tax provision of approximately $5.6 million. The remaining $25.9 million is related to various tax credits and would remain in place until the statute of limitation for those years expires. As of December 31, 2025, it is not expected that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will increase or decrease materially within the next year.
We regularly assess the likelihood of additional assessments in each taxing jurisdiction resulting from current and subsequent years’ examinations. Liabilities for income taxes are established for future income tax assessments when it is probable there will be future assessments and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Once established, liabilities for uncertain tax positions are adjusted only when there is more information available or when an event occurs necessitating a change to the liabilities. As of December 31, 2025, we believe that the resolution of income tax matters for open years will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements although the resolution of income tax matters could impact our effective tax rate for a particular future period.
The tax years 2010 through 2025 remain open to examination by the primary tax jurisdictions to which we are subject.
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net of refunds, are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2025
(in thousands)
State$33,366 
Foreign
Mexico102,806 
United Kingdom24,312 
Canada22,298 
Other foreign130,256 
Total$313,038 
There was no cash paid for United States federal income taxes as we generated a taxable loss for the year ended December 31, 2025 due to the provisions allowed within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “Act”) discussed below.
Recent Tax Legislation
The Act was enacted on July 4, 2025 and makes key elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, including 100% bonus depreciation, domestic research cost expensing, the business interest expense limitation and makes modifications to the international tax framework. The financial reporting implications of the Act were recorded in the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2025. The Company determined that the Act did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025. We will continue to evaluate the full impact of these legislative changes as additional guidance becomes available.
v3.25.4
EQUITY
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Equity [Abstract]  
EQUITY
Common Stock
The following table reconciles common stock reported in the consolidated statements of changes in equity to the consolidated balance sheets.
December 31,
20252024
Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated statement of changes in equity232,837,623 231,295,639 
  Unvested restricted stock awards1,402,205 1,480,062 
  Unvested deferred stock awards1,755,749 1,996,058 
Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated balance sheets235,995,577 234,771,759 
Unvested restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards will be reflected in the statements of changes in equity at the time of vesting.
For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we issued 1.2 million, 1.5 million and 1.1 million shares, respectively, of common stock in connection with stock option exercises and vesting of restricted stock awards.
Common Stock Reserved for Future Issuance
Common stock of approximately 11.2 million shares as of December 31, 2025 is reserved for future issuances under the stock incentive plan (including 0.9 million options, 1.4 million restricted stock awards and 1.8 million deferred stock awards currently granted).
Noncontrolling Interests
Common securities held by the noncontrolling interests that do not include put arrangements exercisable outside of our control are recorded in equity, separate from our stockholders’ equity.
The purchase or sale of additional ownership in an already controlled subsidiary is recorded as an equity transaction with no gain or loss recognized in net income (loss) or comprehensive income (loss) as long as the subsidiary remains a controlled subsidiary. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we acquired all or additional equity interests in several companies that did not have a significant impact to equity either on an individual basis or in the aggregate. The following schedule reflects the change in ownership interests for these transactions:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
 (in thousands)
Net income attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation
$495,972 $896,287 $556,893 
Transfers of noncontrolling interests:   
Changes in Live Nation’s additional paid-in capital for purchases of noncontrolling interests, net of transaction costs
(32,435)(30,049)(100,940)
Net transfers of noncontrolling interests(32,435)(30,049)(100,940)
Change from net income attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation and net transfers of noncontrolling interests
$463,537 $866,238 $455,953 
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
We are subject to put arrangements where the holders of the noncontrolling interests can require us to repurchase their shares at specified dates in the future or within specified periods in the future. Certain of these puts can be exercised earlier upon the occurrence of triggering events as specified in the agreements. The redemption amounts for these puts are either at a fixed amount, at fair value at the time of exercise or a variable amount based on a formula linked to earnings. In accordance with the FASB guidance for business combinations, the redeemable noncontrolling interests are recorded at their fair value at acquisition date. For put arrangements that are not currently redeemable, we accrete to the estimated redemption value over the period from the date of issuance to the earliest redemption date of the individual puts, with the offset recorded to additional paid-in capital. Decreases in accretion are only recognized to the extent that increases had been previously recognized. The estimated redemption values that are based on a formula linked to future earnings are computed each reporting period using projected cash flows, and the estimated redemption values that are based on fair value at the time of exercise are computed each reporting period by applying a multiple to projected earnings, both of which take into account the current expectations regarding profitability and the timing of revenue-generating events. The balances are reflected in our balance sheets as redeemable noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity.
Our estimate of redemption amounts for puts that are redeemable at fixed or determinable prices on fixed or determinable dates for the years ended December 31, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 are $15.1 million, $160.6 million, $79.8 million, $47.3 million and $23.4 million, respectively.
Transactions with Noncontrolling and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Partners
We have loaned or advanced money to noncontrolling interest partners under the terms of the partnership operating agreements, promissory notes or other arrangements. As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we had outstanding notes receivable and prepayments of $50.0 million and $50.0 million in other long-term assets, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, we paid $122.3 million to purchase a portion of the noncontrolling interest in certain subsidiaries in Europe. We also acquired an additional 24% interest in OCESA from CIE, which resulted in a decrease of $749.4 million in redeemable noncontrolling interest.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table presents changes in the components of AOCI, net of taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:
Cash Flow HedgesCumulative Foreign Currency Translation AdjustmentsTotal
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2022$41,283 $(131,359)$(90,076)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications5,225 129,459 134,684 
Amount reclassified from AOCI(17,158)— (17,158)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)(11,933)129,459 117,526 
Balance at December 31, 202329,350 (1,900)27,450 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications10,529 (354,730)(344,201)
Amount reclassified from AOCI(18,361)— (18,361)
Net other comprehensive loss(7,832)(354,730)(362,562)
Balance at December 31, 202421,518 (356,630)(335,112)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(820)237,886 237,066 
Amount reclassified from AOCI(16,826)— (16,826)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)(17,646)237,886 220,240 
Balance at December 31, 2025$3,872 $(118,744)$(114,872)
See Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements for further discussion and disclosure of the fair value of our interest rate swap that has been designated as a cash flow hedge.
Earnings per Share
Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The calculation of diluted net income (loss) per common share includes the effects of the assumed exercise of any outstanding stock options, the assumed vesting of shares of restricted and deferred stock awards and the assumed conversion of our convertible senior notes, where dilutive.
The following table sets forth the computation of weighted average common shares outstanding:
Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
Weighted average common shares—basic231,844,300 230,124,255 228,628,390 
Effect of dilutive shares:
Stock options and restricted stock— 2,686,001 2,348,936 
Convertible senior notes— 3,542,193 — 
Weighted average common shares—diluted 231,844,300 236,352,449 230,977,326 
The following table shows securities excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common share because such securities were anti-dilutive:
  
Year Ended December 31,
  
202520242023
Options to purchase shares of common stock924,602 — 3,750 
Restricted and deferred stock awards—unvested3,086,132 1,518,940 2,527,463 
Conversion shares related to convertible senior notes
21,170,322 14,946,450 13,004,660 
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding
25,181,056 16,465,390 15,535,873 
v3.25.4
SEGMENTS AND REVENUE RECOGNITION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
SEGMENT DATA
Our reportable segments are Concerts, Ticketing and Sponsorship & Advertising. We use AOI to evaluate the performance of our operating segments and define AOI as operating income (loss) before certain acquisition expenses (including ongoing legal costs stemming from the Ticketmaster merger, changes in the fair value of accrued acquisition-related contingent consideration obligations, and acquisition-related severance and compensation), amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advances, depreciation and amortization (including goodwill impairment), loss (gain) on disposal of operating assets, and stock-based compensation expense. Due to the significant and non-recurring nature of the matters, we also exclude from AOI the impact of realized liabilities for settlements or damages arising out of the Astroworld matter that exceed our estimated insurance recovery, and expenses for regulatory compliance matters associated with the provision for (possible) losses arising from certain significant governmental investigations and litigations under ASC 450 - Contingencies, which are described under the heading “Governmental Investigations and Litigation” in Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements herein. Except as described above, ongoing legal costs associated with defense of these claims, such as attorney fees, are not excluded from AOI. AOI assists investors by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of our portfolio of businesses separate from non-operational factors that affect net income (loss), thus providing insights into both operations and the other factors that affect reported results.
Revenue and expenses earned and charged between segments are eliminated in consolidation. Our capital expenditures below include accruals for amounts incurred but not yet paid for, but are not reduced by reimbursements received from outside parties such as landlords and noncontrolling interest partners or replacements funded by insurance proceeds.
We manage our working capital on a consolidated basis. Accordingly, segment assets are not reported to, or used by, our management to allocate resources to or assess performance of our segments, and therefore, total segment assets and related depreciation and amortization have not been presented.
There were no customers that individually accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue in any year.
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer is the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and evaluates the operating performance of our operating segments based on AOI. The CODM uses segment AOI for evaluating performance of each segment and for making decisions on allocating capital and other resources to each segment. We have not identified any segment expenses that are considered significant and segment expenses are not regularly provided to the CODM. Other segments items are direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding acquisition expenses, amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advance, Astroworld loss contingencies and stock-based compensation expense) which represents the difference between each operating segment’s revenue and AOI.
Concerts
Our Concerts segment involves the promotion of live music events globally in our owned or operated venues and in rented third-party venues, the production of music festivals, the operation and management of music venues, the creation or streaming of associated content and the provision of management and other services to artists. This segment generates revenue from the promotion or production of live music events and festivals in our owned or operated venues and in rented third-party venues, artist management commissions and the sale of merchandise for music artists at events. As a promoter and venue operator, we earn revenue primarily from the sale of tickets, concessions, merchandise, parking, ticket rebates or service charges on tickets sold by Ticketmaster or third-party ticketing platforms, and rental of our owned or operated venues. As an artist manager, we earn commissions on the earnings of the artists and other clients we represent, primarily derived from clients’ earnings for concert tours. Over 97% of Concerts’ revenue, whether related to promotion, venue operations, artist management or artist event merchandising, is recognized on the day of the related event. The majority of consideration for our Concerts segment is collected in advance of or on the day of the event. Consideration received in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue or in long-term liabilities if the event is more than twelve months from the balance sheet date. Any consideration not collected by the day of the event is typically received within three months after the event date.
Ticketing
Our Ticketing segment involves the management of our global ticketing operations, including providing ticketing software and services to clients, and consumers with a marketplace, both online and mobile, for tickets and event information, and is responsible for our primary ticketing website, www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket fee revenue is generated from convenience and order processing fees, or service charges, charged at the time a ticket for an event is sold in either the primary or secondary markets. A significant portion of our service charges are payable to the venue and credit card vendors. The Ticketing segment is primarily an agency business that sells tickets for events on behalf of its clients, which include venues, concert promoters, professional sports franchises and leagues, college sports teams, theater producers and museums. This segment records revenue arising from convenience and order processing fees, regardless of whether these fees are related to tickets sold in the primary or secondary market, and regardless of whether these fees are associated with our concert events or third-party clients’ concert events. We do not record the face value of the tickets or the venue’s portion of the service fees as revenue. Ticket fee revenue is recognized when the ticket is sold for third-party clients and secondary market sales, as we have no further obligation to our client’s customers following the sale of the ticket. For our concert events where our concert promoters control ticketing, ticket fee revenue is recognized when the event occurs because we also have the obligation to deliver the event to the fan. The delivery of the ticket to the fan is not considered a distinct performance obligation for our concert events because the fan cannot receive the benefits of the ticket unless we also fulfill our obligation to deliver the event. The majority of ticket fee revenue is collected within the month of the ticket sale. Revenue received from the sale of tickets in advance of our concert events is recorded as deferred revenue or in other long-term liabilities if the date of the event is more than twelve months from the balance sheet date. Reported revenue is net of any refunds made or committed to and also the impact of any cancellations of events that occurred during the period and up to the time of filing these consolidated financial statements.
Ticketing contract advances, which can be either recoupable or non-recoupable, represent amounts paid in advance to our clients pursuant to ticketing agreements and are reflected in prepaid expenses or in long-term advances if the amount is expected to be recouped or recognized over a period of more than twelve months. Recoupable ticketing contract advances are generally recoupable against future royalties earned by the client, based on the contract terms, over the life of the contract. Royalties are typically earned by the client when tickets are sold. Royalties paid to clients are recorded as a reduction to revenue when the tickets are sold and the corresponding service charge revenue is recognized. Non-recoupable ticketing contract advances, excluding those amounts paid to support clients’ advertising costs, are fixed additional incentives occasionally paid by us to certain clients to secure the contract and are typically amortized over the life of the contract on a straight-line basis as a reduction to revenue. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, we had ticketing contract advances of $298.7 million and $158.1 million, respectively, in prepaid expenses and $155.7 million and $128.9 million, respectively, in long-term advances. We amortized $88.4 million, $88.7 million and $83.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 respectively, related to non-recoupable ticketing contract advances.
Sponsorship & Advertising
Our Sponsorship & Advertising segment manages the development of strategic sponsorship programs in addition to the sale of international, national and local sponsorships and placement of advertising such as signage, promotional programs, rich media offerings, including advertising associated with live streaming and music-related content, and ads across our distribution network of venues, events and websites. This segment generates revenue from sponsorship and marketing programs that provide its sponsors with strategic, international, national and local opportunities to reach customers through our venue, concert and ticketing assets, including advertising on our websites. These programs can also include custom events or programs for the sponsors’ specific brands, which are typically experienced exclusively by the sponsors’ customers. Sponsorship agreements may contain multiple elements, which provide several distinct benefits to the sponsor over the term of the agreement, and can be for a single or multi-year term. We also earn revenue from exclusive access rights provided to sponsors in various categories such as ticket pre-sales, beverage pouring rights, venue naming rights, media campaigns, signage within our venues, and advertising on our websites. Revenue from sponsorship agreements is allocated to the multiple elements based on the relative stand-alone selling price of each separate element, which are determined using vendor-specific evidence, third-party evidence or our best estimate of the fair value. Revenue is recognized over the term of the agreement or operating season as the benefits are provided to the sponsor unless the revenue is associated with a specific event, in which case it is recognized when the event occurs. Revenue is collected in installment payments during the year, typically in advance of providing the benefit or the event. Revenue received in advance of the event or the sponsor receiving the benefit is recorded as deferred revenue or in other long-term liabilities if the date of the event is more than twelve months from the balance sheet date.
At December 31, 2025, we had contracted sponsorship agreements with terms greater than one year that had approximately $1.7 billion of revenue related to future benefits to be provided by us. We expect to recognize, based on current projections, approximately 41%, 27%, 15% and 17% of this revenue in 2026, 2027, 2028 and thereafter, respectively.
The following table presents the results of operations for our reportable segments for the years ending December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:
ConcertsTicketingSponsorship
& Advertising
Other & EliminationsCorporateConsolidated
 (in thousands)
2025
Revenue$20,860,726$3,081,166$1,329,233$(69,719)$— $25,201,406 
% of Consolidated Revenue82.8%12.2%5.3%(0.3)%
Other Segment Items20,173,6431,946,734484,008(44,986)275,607 22,835,006 
AOI$687,083$1,134,432$845,225$(24,733)$(275,607)$2,366,400 
Intersegment revenue$40,736$25,376$3,607$(69,719)$— $— 
Capital expenditures$942,053$92,058$30,964$$21,364 $1,086,439 
2024
Revenue$19,024,302$2,988,685$1,195,019$(52,381)$— $23,155,625 
% of Consolidated Revenue82.2%12.9%5.2%(0.3)%
Other Segment Items18,494,5541,865,097431,242(24,121)242,955 21,009,727 
AOI$529,748$1,123,588$763,777$(28,260)$(242,955)$2,145,898 
Intersegment revenue$29,633$22,220$528$(52,381)$— $— 
Capital expenditures$491,691$87,925$24,507$$33,508 $637,631 
2023
Revenue$18,740,913$2,959,477$1,095,217$(69,290)$— $22,726,317 
% of Consolidated Revenue82.5%13.0%4.8%(0.3)%
Other Segment Items18,420,5161,819,344420,080(29,716)214,974 20,845,198 
AOI$320,397$1,140,133$675,137$(39,574)$(214,974)$1,881,119 
Intersegment revenue$17,773$51,517$$(69,290)$— $— 
Capital expenditures$346,392$68,991$18,250$$35,118 $468,751 

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of consolidated AOI to operating income for the for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:
202520242023
(in thousands)
AOI$2,366,400 $2,145,898 $1,881,119 
Acquisition expenses259,586 128,513 93,664 
Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advance88,386 88,717 83,693 
Depreciation and amortization638,872 549,923 516,797 
Gain on sale of operating assets(18,528)(11,015)(13,927)
Astroworld loss contingencies(8,352)454,902 — 
Stock-based compensation expense155,219 110,348 115,959 
Operating income$1,251,217 $824,510 $1,084,933 
Deferred Revenue
The majority of our deferred revenue is typically classified as current and is shown as a separate line item on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred revenue that is not expected to be recognized within the next twelve months is classified as long-term and reflected in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we had current deferred revenue of $4.5 billion, $3.7 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively.
The table below summarizes the amount of prior year current deferred revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Concerts$3,287,175 $3,046,474 
Ticketing205,199 176,901 
Sponsorship & Advertising 90,461 96,988 
$3,582,835 $3,320,363 
v3.25.4
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
In December 2005, we adopted our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which has been amended and/or restated on several occasions. In connection with our merger with Ticketmaster Entertainment LLC, we adopted the Amended and Restated Ticketmaster 2008 Stock & Annual Incentive Plan. The plans authorize us to grant stock option awards, director shares, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and deferred stock awards, other equity-based awards and performance awards. We have granted restricted stock awards, options to purchase our common stock and deferred stock awards to employees, directors, consultants, and our affiliates under the stock incentive plans at no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The stock incentive plans contain anti-dilutive provisions that require the adjustment of the number of shares of our common stock represented by, and the exercise price of, each option for any stock splits or stock dividends. The ten-year term of the Ticketmaster plan expired in August 2018; accordingly, no new awards may be granted under that plan but outstanding awards shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.
The following is a summary of stock-based compensation expense we recorded during the respective periods:
  
Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
 (in thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expenses$108,680 $50,668 $40,751 
Corporate expenses46,539 59,680 75,208 
Total $155,219 $110,348 $115,959 

As of December 31, 2025, there was $154.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation arrangements for stock options, restricted stock and deferred stock awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.
Stock Options
Stock options are granted for a term not exceeding ten years and the non-vested options are generally forfeited in the event the employee, director or consultant terminates his or her employment or relationship with us or one of our affiliates. Any options that have vested at the time of termination are forfeited to the extent they are not exercised within the applicable post-employment exercise period provided in their option agreements. These options typically vest over one to four years. In 2025, 2024 and 2023, no stock options were granted.
The following table presents a summary of our stock options outstanding at the dates given, and stock option activity for the period between such dates (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share):  
Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
     Options    Price    Options    Price    Options    Price
 (in thousands, except per share data)
Outstanding January 11,514 $34.12 2,366 $32.85 3,257 $29.78 
Exercised(589)22.32 (851)30.57 (891)21.63 
Forfeited or expired
— — (1)63.29 — — 
Outstanding December 31925 $41.65 1,514 $34.12 2,366 $32.85 
Exercisable December 31925 $41.65 1,513 $34.09 2,362 $32.78 
Weighted average fair value per option granted$— $—  $— 
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $72.1 million, $60.4 million and $58.3 million, respectively. Cash received from stock option exercises for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $5.1 million, $26.1 million and $19.3 million, respectively.
There were 7.1 million shares available for future grants under the stock incentive plan at December 31, 2025. Upon share option exercise or vesting of restricted or deferred stock, we issue new shares or treasury shares to fulfill these grants. As of December 31, 2025, all outstanding stock options were vested and exercisable, and expiration dates range from May 2026 to December 2030 at exercise prices and average contractual lives as follows:
Range of
Exercise
Prices
Outstanding
as of
12/31/25
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price 
Exercisable
as of
12/31/25
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
(in thousands) 
(in years) 
(in thousands) 
(in years) 
$20.00 - $24.99
0.4$23.43 0.4$23.43 
$25.00 - $29.99
453 1.2$29.03 453 1.2$29.03 
$30.00 - $44.99
110 2.2$44.05 110 2.2$44.05 
$45.00 - $60.99
348 3.2$56.82 348 3.2$56.82 
$61.00 - $89.99
4.9$70.26 4.9$70.26 

The total intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable as of December 31, 2025 was $93.3 million and $93.3 million, respectively.
Restricted Stock
We have granted restricted stock awards to our employees, directors and consultants under our stock incentive plan. These common shares carry a legend which typically restricts their transferability for a term of one to five years and are forfeited in the event the recipient’s employment or relationship with us is terminated prior to the lapse of the restriction. In addition, certain restricted stock awards require us or the recipient to achieve minimum performance targets in order for these awards to vest.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, we granted 0.6 million shares of restricted stock and 0.3 million shares of performance-based awards, respectively, under our stock incentive plan. These awards will all vest on the grant date or over a period of six months to four years with the exception of the performance-based awards which will vest within two years if the performance criteria are met.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we granted 0.3 million shares of restricted stock and 0.4 million shares of performance-based awards, respectively, under our stock incentive plan. These awards will all vest on the grant date or over a period of one year to four years with the exception of the performance-based awards which will vest within two years if the performance criteria are met.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we granted 0.4 million shares of restricted stock and 0.4 million shares of performance-based awards, respectively, under our stock incentive plan. These awards will vest on the grant date or over a period of two months to four years with the exception of the performance-based awards which will vest within two years if the performance criteria are met.
The following table presents a summary of our unvested restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant):
 
Restricted Stock
 AwardsPrice
 (in thousands, except per share data)
Unvested at December 31, 2022996 $89.22 
Granted841 70.51 
Forfeited(7)92.06 
Vested(357)89.93 
Unvested at December 31, 20231,473 $78.34 
Granted749 96.49 
Forfeited(32)85.51 
Vested(710)81.84 
Unvested at December 31, 20241,480 $85.70 
Granted877 132.43 
Forfeited(63)96.61 
Vested(892)92.50 
Unvested at December 31, 20251,402 $109.72 
The total grant date fair market value of the shares issued upon the vesting of restricted stock awards during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 was $82.6 million, $58.1 million and $32.2 million, respectively.
Deferred Stock
We granted deferred stock awards to our employees where the employees are entitled to receive shares of common stock in the future. Deferred stock can only be settled in stock as determined at the time of the grant. All of the deferred stock awards require us to achieve minimum market conditions in order for these awards to issue and vest.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, we granted 0.8 million shares of deferred stock awards with market conditions under our stock incentive plans. These awards will vest over five years if specified stock prices are achieved over a specific number of days during the five years.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, we granted 33 thousand shares of deferred stock awards with market conditions under our stock incentive plans. These awards will vest over five years if specified stock prices are achieved over a specific number of days during the five years.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we granted 0.3 million shares of deferred stock awards with market conditions under our stock incentive plans. These awards will vest over five years if specified stock prices are achieved over a specific number of days during the five years.
The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of the deferred stock awards with market conditions on the date of grant:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
Risk-free interest rate
3.67% - 3.90%
4.17 %4.47 %
Volatility factors
33.37% - 37.00%
40.57 %39.33 %
Weighted average expected life (in years)4.794.845.22
The following table presents a summary of our unvested deferred stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 (“Price” reflects the weighted average grant date fair value):
Deferred Stock
AwardsPrice
(in thousands, except per share data)
Unvested at December 31, 20222,160 $59.79 
Awarded289 70.47 
Forfeited— — 
Vested— — 
Unvested at December 31, 20232,449 $61.05 
Awarded33 76.61 
Forfeited— — 
Vested(486)66.87 
Unvested at December 31, 20241,996 $59.89 
Awarded781 99.40 
Forfeited— — 
Vested(1,021)62.87 
Unvested at December 31, 20251,756 $75.74 
v3.25.4
OTHER INFORMATION
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]  
OTHER INFORMATION
 December 31,
 20252024
 (in thousands)
The following details the components of “Other current assets”:  
Notes receivable$72,918 $32,018 
Inventory56,576 50,145 
Restricted Cash12,786 10,685 
Other275,125 107,365 
Total other current assets$417,405 $200,213 
The following details the components of “Other long-term assets”:  
Deferred income tax assets$450,957 $577,932 
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates515,636 504,194 
Notes receivable233,113 226,021 
Other485,194 472,819 
Total other long-term assets$1,684,900 $1,780,966 
The following details the components of “Accrued expenses and accounts payable”:  
Accrued event and talent fees expenses$1,069,576 $934,560 
Accrued compensation and benefits619,688 512,531 
Accrued insurance409,629 316,967 
Accounts payable253,261 242,978 
Collections on behalf of others143,610 120,873 
Accrued legal47,535 284,544 
Other1,012,512 887,859 
Total accrued expenses and accounts payable$3,555,811 $3,300,312 
The following details the components of “Other current liabilities”:  
Contingent and deferred purchase consideration$285,479 $40,801 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities167,764 153,406 
Other28,818 22,090 
Total other current liabilities$482,061 $216,297 
   
The following details the components of “Other long-term liabilities”:  
Deferred income tax liabilities$83,298 $140,151 
Deferred revenue73,073 120,064 
Contingent and deferred purchase consideration29,909 20,735 
Other229,564 196,813 
Total other long-term liabilities$415,844 $477,763 
v3.25.4
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
GEOGRAPHIC DATA
The following table provides revenue and long-lived assets, including operating lease assets, for our foreign operations included in the consolidated financial statements:
EuropeOther ForeignTotal ForeignDomesticConsolidated Total
(in thousands)
2025
Revenue$5,815,492 $5,056,552 $10,872,044 $14,329,362 $25,201,406 
Long-lived assets, including
operating lease assets
$1,213,347 $769,019 $1,982,366 $3,303,158 $5,285,524 
2024
Revenue$4,621,210 $4,160,359 $8,781,569 $14,374,056 $23,155,625 
Long-lived assets, including
operating lease assets
$825,909 $348,913 $1,174,822 $2,885,083 $4,059,905 
2023
Revenue$4,425,854 $4,085,191 $8,511,045 $14,215,272 $22,726,317 
Long-lived assets, including
operating lease assets
$819,426 $306,725 $1,126,151 $2,581,701 $3,707,852 
v3.25.4
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
DescriptionBalance at Beginning of PeriodCharges of Costs, Expenses and OtherWrite-off of Accounts ReceivableOtherBalance at End of Period
(in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2023$63,294 $32,645 $(10,771)$(2,818)$82,350 
Year ended December 31, 2024$82,350 $10,430 $(22,901)$2,784 $72,663 
Year ended December 31, 2025$72,663 $16,330 $(17,647)$2,566 $73,912 
LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance
DescriptionBalance at Beginning of PeriodCharges of Costs, Expenses and Other Deletions
Other (1)
Balance at End of Period
(in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2023$1,240,881 $(93,450)$— $46,943 $1,194,374 
Year ended December 31, 2024$1,194,374 $(650,231)$— $25,352 $569,495 
Year ended December 31, 2025$569,495 $18,040 $— $(250)$587,285 
____________
(1)     During 2025, 2024 and 2023, the valuation allowance was adjusted for acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency adjustments.
v3.25.4
Insider Trading Arrangements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
v3.25.4
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy Disclosure
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Line Items]  
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block]
Our cybersecurity risk management and strategy focus on several areas:
Risk Identification and Reporting: We have implemented a comprehensive, cross-functional approach to assessing, identifying, and managing material cybersecurity threats and incidents. Our program includes controls and procedures to properly identify, classify, and escalate certain cybersecurity incidents to provide management visibility and obtain an assessment from management as to the public disclosure and reporting of material incidents in a timely manner. The Cyber Security team’s responsibilities include:
Rating cyber risk severity, coordinating remediation, and monitoring cyber risks within our enterprise risk register;
Monitoring cybersecurity detective controls for alerts, responding to alerts, and managing response to cyber incidents;
Cyber threat intelligence functions, including monitoring cybercrime and geopolitical developments;
Supporting mergers and acquisitions activities, including integration of newly acquired businesses;
Performing security architecture reviews in existing enterprise systems and in those of newly acquired organizations;
Procuring and arranging for the implementation of both protective and detective controls across our business;
Monitoring and ensuring Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) compliance where required across the enterprise; and
Monitor for cybersecurity vulnerabilities and defects, including through penetration testing assessments.
Technical Safeguards: We have implemented technical safeguards that are designed to protect our information systems from cybersecurity threats, including firewalls, intrusion prevention and detection systems, endpoint detection and response, and access controls, which are evaluated and improved through vulnerability assessments and cybersecurity threat intelligence, as well as external audits and certifications. The Cyber Security department also manages security log information, and carries out vulnerability and application scanning to support the identification of cyber risks.
Incident Response and Recovery Planning: We maintain comprehensive incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery plans designed to guide our response to cybersecurity incidents. We also conduct regular tabletop exercises to test these plans and ensure personnel are familiar with their roles in a response scenario.
Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM): We maintain a comprehensive, risk-based approach to identifying and overseeing material cybersecurity threats presented by third parties, including vendors, service providers, and other external users of our systems, as well as the systems of third parties that could adversely impact our business in the event of a material cybersecurity incident affecting those third-party systems, including any outside auditors or consultants who advise on our cybersecurity systems.
Education and Awareness: We provide regular, mandatory training for all levels of employees regarding cybersecurity threats to equip our employees with effective tools to address cybersecurity threats, and to communicate our evolving cybersecurity policies, standards, processes, and practices.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block]
Our Board of Directors (the “Board”), in coordination with our Executive Steering Committee and the Audit Committee, is responsible for overseeing our cybersecurity program. The Cyber Security department leads cybersecurity risk management for our business. Effective Cyber Risk Management is foundational to our Cybersecurity program and is informed by widely recognized industry standards and best practices. Our Cybersecurity Risk Management program includes processes and controls for the business to ensure that cybersecurity risks are identified and responded to promptly. These range from formal processes that are triggered in certain circumstances, detective controls, protective controls and other technology that we use to identify and manage risks. Cyber Security’s Risk Management process is consistent with our Enterprise Risk Management Policy, which describes how we manage risks generally. The Cyber Security team also engages with external consultants to ensure best practices in our Cyber Risk Management.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Flag] false
Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block]
The Board, in coordination with our Executive Steering Committee and the Audit Committee, oversees our cybersecurity program, including the management of cybersecurity threats. The Executive Steering Committee receives regular presentations and reports on developments in the cybersecurity space, including risk management practices, recent developments, evolving standards, vulnerability assessments, third-party and independent reviews, the threat environment, technological trends and cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block]
The Board, in coordination with our Executive Steering Committee and the Audit Committee, oversees our cybersecurity program, including the management of cybersecurity threats. The Executive Steering Committee receives regular presentations and reports on developments in the cybersecurity space, including risk management practices, recent developments, evolving standards, vulnerability assessments, third-party and independent reviews, the threat environment, technological trends and cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Risk Role of Management [Text Block] The CISO has direct communication with senior executives regarding cybersecurity risks and works collaboratively with our leadership to respond to and manage the response to cybersecurity incidents.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Flag] true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Text Block] The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is the risk manager overseeing the organization’s cybersecurity risk management function. As the Risk Manager, the CISO is responsible for the administration of the cybersecurity risk management program, policy and standards. This includes ensuring that risks are properly identified, assessed, managed, and reported as prescribed by the organization. The Risk Manager also has the responsibility of promoting an effective risk management culture through regular training across the organization.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Expertise of Management Responsible [Text Block]
The CISO has over 30 years of experience in cybersecurity, including more than nine years serving in chief information security leadership roles. The CISO’s background spans intelligence-driven and threat-actor focused security programs across highly regulated and complex global environments, including building and maturing enterprise capabilities such as incident response, threat intelligence, application security and vulnerability management. Our cybersecurity organization is comprised of experienced professionals with comparable depth of expertise in their respective disciplines that supports the effective execution of our cybersecurity risk management program. This collective experience enables effective oversight of cybersecurity risks, incident response and communication with senior leadership.
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
Our consolidated financial statements include all of our accounts, including our majority owned and controlled subsidiaries and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany accounts among the consolidated businesses have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests is reflected in the statements of operations.
Typically, we consolidate entities in which we own more than 50% of the voting common stock and control operations and also VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own more than 20% of the voting common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies but not control of the nonconsolidated affiliate are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates in which we own less than 20% of the voting common stock and do not exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for at fair value unless the investment does not have a readily determinable fair value in which case the investment is accounted for at cost less any impairment.
All of our cash flow activity reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows is presented net of any non-cash transactions so the amounts reflected may be different than amounts shown in other places in our consolidated financial statements that are based on accrual accounting and therefore include non-cash amounts. For example, purchases of property, plant and equipment reflected on the consolidated statements of cash flows reflect the amount of cash paid during the year for these purchases and does not include the impact of the changes in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures during the year.
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities
In the normal course of business, we enter into joint ventures or make investments in companies that will allow us to expand our core business and enter new markets. In certain instances, such ventures or investments may be considered a VIE because the equity at risk is insufficient to permit it to carry on its activities without additional financial support from its equity owners. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we assess whether we have the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity and have the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The activities we believe most significantly impact the economic performance of our VIEs include the unilateral ability to approve the annual budget, to terminate key management and to approve entering into agreements with artists, among others. We have certain rights and obligations related to our involvement in the VIEs, including the requirement to provide operational cash flow funding.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, excluding intercompany balances and allocated goodwill and intangible assets, there were approximately $941.4 million and $839.9 million of assets and $875.4 million and $577.6 million of liabilities, respectively, related to VIEs included in our balance sheets. None of our VIEs are significant on an individual basis.
Nonconsolidated Affiliates
Nonconsolidated Affiliates
In general, nonconsolidated investments in which we own more than 20% of the common stock or otherwise exercise significant influence over an affiliate are accounted for under the equity method. We review the value of equity method investments and record impairment charges in the statements of operations for any decline in value that is determined to be other-than-temporary. If we obtain control of a nonconsolidated affiliate through the purchase of additional ownership interest or changes in the governing agreements, we remeasure our investment to fair value first and then apply the accounting guidance for business combinations. Any gain or loss resulting from the remeasurement to fair value is recorded as a component of other expense (income), net in the statements of operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Our cash and cash equivalents include domestic and foreign bank accounts as well as interest-bearing accounts consisting primarily of bank deposits and money market accounts managed by third-party financial institutions. These balances are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
Restricted cash primarily consists of cash held in escrow accounts to fund capital improvements of certain leased or operated venues. The cash is held in these accounts pursuant to the related lease or operating agreement.
Included in the December 31, 2025 and 2024 cash and cash equivalents balance is $1.6 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, of cash received that includes the face value of tickets sold on behalf of our ticketing clients and their share of service charges (“client cash”), which amounts are to be remitted to these clients. These amounts due to our clients are included in accounts payable, client accounts.
Cash held in interest-bearing operating accounts in many cases exceeds the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. To reduce our credit risk, we monitor the credit standing of the financial institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents; however, these balances could be impacted in the future if the underlying financial institutions fail. To date, we have experienced no loss of or lack of access to our cash or cash equivalents; however, we can provide no assurances that access to our cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted in the future by adverse conditions in the financial markets.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We evaluate the collectability of our accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. Generally, we record reserves based on the amount of cash we expect to receive when an account receivable balance is established. Our reserve estimate is primarily based on our historical accounts receivable write-offs. We adjust the historical reserve estimate applied to current accounts receivable when events or circumstances change, such as changes in current economic conditions or there is a significant deterioration in our accounts receivable aging, indicating that the reserve estimate may be insufficient to cover the expected loss. We generally apply a portfolio approach to all of our accounts receivable based on reporting unit unless there are facts and circumstances that indicate a specific group of customers is at greater risk of nonpayment.
We believe that the credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the large number and the geographic diversification of our customers.
Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid Expenses
The majority of our prepaid expenses relate to event expenses including show advances and deposits and other costs directly related to future concert events. For advances that are expected to be recouped over a period of more than twelve months, the long-term portion of the advance is classified as long-term advances. These prepaid costs are charged to operations upon completion of the related events.
Ticketing Contract Advances
Ticketing contract advances, which can be either recoupable or non-recoupable, represent amounts paid in advance to our clients pursuant to ticketing agreements and are reflected in prepaid expenses or in long-term advances if the amount is expected to be recouped or recognized over a period of more than twelve months. Recoupable ticketing contract advances are generally recoupable against future royalties earned by our clients, based on the contract terms, over the life of the contract. Non-recoupable ticketing contract advances, excluding those amounts paid to support clients’ advertising costs, are fixed additional incentives occasionally paid by us to secure the contract with certain clients and are typically amortized over the life of the contract on a straight-line basis.
Artist advances and ticketing contract advances are reviewed for recoverability whenever circumstances change, such as extended delays in an artist’s touring cycle, a decline in an artist’s tour earnings, lack of events on sale for a ticketing client or a decline in a client’s ticket sales, indicating that the advance may not be recoupable over the term of the agreement. We review various factors, including past recoupment amounts, timing of an artist’s last tour, expectations of future tours, ticketing clients’ historical ticket sales and expectations of clients’ future ticket sales, to determine if we believe the advance will recoup as expected. If an advance is not expected to be fully recoupable, a reserve is established to reduce the advance to the amount we expect to recoup. The reserves are recorded as a component of direct operating expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.
Business Combinations
Business Combinations
During 2025, 2024 and 2023, we completed several acquisitions that were accounted for as business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. When we make these acquisitions, we often acquire a controlling interest without buying 100% of the business. These acquisitions and the related results of operations were not significant on either an individual basis or in the aggregate for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
We account for our business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting. Identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree are recognized and measured as of the acquisition date at fair value. Additionally, any contingent consideration is recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and classified as a liability. Goodwill is recognized to the extent by which the aggregate of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree exceeds the recognized basis of the identifiable assets acquired, net of assumed liabilities. Determining the fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash flows, discount rates and asset lives among other items. In addition, when we have acquisitions where substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset or group of similar assets, we account for the acquisitions as asset acquisitions.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost or fair value at the date of acquisition. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which are typically as follows:
Buildings and improvements - 10 to 50 years
Computer equipment and capitalized software - 3 to 10 years
Furniture and other equipment - 3 to 10 years
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the economic life or associated lease term. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred, whereas expenditures for asset renewal and improvements are capitalized. There is no depreciation expense included in direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses or corporate expenses. Our depreciation expense is presented as a separate line item, with amortization expense, in the statements of operations.
We test for possible impairment of property, plant and equipment whenever events or circumstances change, such as a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of, or projections of, operating cash flow losses or a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is intended to be used, which could indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, we compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows and the discount rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows.
Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets
We classify intangible assets as definite-lived or indefinite-lived. Definite-lived intangibles include revenue-generating contracts, client/vendor relationships, trademarks and naming rights, technology, non-compete agreements, and venue management and leasehold agreements, all of which are amortized either on a straight-line basis over the respective lives of the agreements, typically 3 to 10 years, or on a basis more representative of the time pattern over which the benefit is derived. We periodically review the appropriateness of the amortization periods related to our definite-lived intangible assets. These assets are stated at cost or fair value at the date of acquisition. Indefinite-lived intangibles consist of trade names and cryptocurrency assets which are not subject to amortization. Our amortization expense is presented as a separate line item, with depreciation expense, in the statements of operations. There is no amortization expense included in direct operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses or corporate expenses.
We test for possible impairment of definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or circumstances change, such as a current period operating cash flow loss combined with a history of, or projections of, operating cash flow losses or a significant adverse change in the manner in which the asset is intended to be used, which could indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If indicators exist, we compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the estimated undiscounted future cash flow amount, an impairment charge is recorded based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, there were no significant impairment charges.
We test for possible impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually. Depending on facts and circumstances, qualitative factors may first be assessed to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If it is concluded that it is more likely than not impaired, we perform a quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. When specific assets are determined to be impaired, the cost basis of the asset is reduced to reflect the current fair value. Any such impairment charge is recorded in depreciation and amortization in the statements of operations. The impairment loss calculations require management to apply judgment in estimating future cash flows, expected future revenue, discount rates and royalty rates that reflect the risk inherent in future cash flows. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, there were no significant impairment charges.
Goodwill
Goodwill
We review goodwill for impairment annually, as of October 1, using a two-step process. We also test goodwill for impairment in other periods if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount or when we change our reporting units.
The first step is a qualitative evaluation as to whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units is less than its carrying value using an assessment of relevant events and circumstances. Examples of such events and circumstances include historical financial performance, industry and market conditions, macroeconomic conditions, reporting unit-specific events, historical results of goodwill impairment testing and the timing of the last performance of a quantitative assessment. We also considered changes in discount rates, market multiples, carrying values and forecast since the last quantitative test. If any reporting units are concluded to be more likely than not impaired, or if that conclusion cannot be determined qualitatively, a second step is performed for that reporting unit utilizing a quantitative approach.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, as part of our annual test for impairment, all of our reporting units with goodwill were assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not advance to the quantitative analysis.
For the year ended December 31, 2024, as part of a refresh of the fair values of reporting units, as of July 1, 2024, three of our reporting units were assessed under quantitative analysis to support future qualitative evaluation. As of October 1, 2024, as required by our policy to perform goodwill tests annually, these three reporting units were also assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not advance to the quantitative analysis. As of October 1, 2024, the remaining three reporting units with goodwill were assessed under quantitative analysis to support future qualitative evaluation. All of our reporting units assessed under the quantitative analysis primarily used a discounted cash flows methodology, with a lesser weighting attributed to the market multiple approach. The discounted cash flows methodology estimates fair value by discounting the reporting unit’s estimated future cash flows using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions and the risk profile of the reporting unit. Under the market multiple approach, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit was estimated by applying market multiples derived from stock prices of companies that are engaged in the same or similar lines of business as the reporting unit and that are actively traded on a free and open market. The derived multiples are then applied to the reporting unit’s financial metrics.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, as part of our annual test for impairment, one of our reporting units, which accounted for approximately 12% of our goodwill at December 31, 2023, was assessed under the quantitative analysis. The remaining reporting units with goodwill were assessed under the initial qualitative evaluation and did not advance to the quantitative analysis.
No impairment charges were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
Leases
Leases
We lease office space, many of our concert venues, festival sites and certain equipment. We record a lease asset and liability on our consolidated balance sheets at the inception of the lease or when we take possession of the leased space or equipment, if later, based on the required payments over the term of the lease. We do not recognize a lease asset or liability for leases with an initial term of twelve months or less, including multi-year festival site leases where the sum of the non-consecutive periods of rental time is less than twelve months. Rent expense for these short-term leases is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Some of our lease agreements contain annual rental escalation clauses, as well as provisions for us to pay the related utilities and maintenance. We have elected to account for the lease components (i.e., fixed payments including rent and parking) and non-lease components (i.e., common-area maintenance costs) as a single lease component.
Many of our lease agreements contain renewal options that can extend the lease for additional terms typically ranging from one to ten years. Renewal options at the discretion of the lessor are included in the lease term while renewal options at our discretion are generally not included in the lease term unless they are reasonably certain to be exercised.
In addition to fixed rental payments, many of our leases contain contingent rental payments based on a percentage of revenue, tickets sold or other variables, while others include periodic adjustments to rental payments based on the prevailing inflationary index or market rental rates. Contingent rent obligations are not included in the initial measurement of the lease asset or liability and are recognized as rent expense in the period that the contingency is resolved. Our leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants.
We measure our lease assets and liabilities using an incremental borrowing rate which varies from lease to lease depending on geographical location and length of the lease.
Accounts Payable, Client Accounts
Accounts Payable, Client Accounts
Accounts payable, client accounts consists of contractual amounts due to our ticketing clients which includes the face value of tickets sold and the clients’ share of service charges.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes using the liability method which results in deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between financial reporting bases and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax asset or liability is expected to be realized or settled. We assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets, considering all relevant factors, at each reporting period. As almost all earnings from our continuing foreign operations are permanently reinvested and not distributed, our income tax provision does not include additional United States state and foreign withholding or transaction taxes on those foreign earnings that would be incurred if they were distributed. It is not practicable to determine the amount of state and foreign income taxes, if any, that might become due in the event that any remaining available cash associated with these earnings were distributed.
The FASB guidance for income taxes prescribes a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement.
We have established a policy of including interest related to tax loss contingencies in income tax expense (benefit) in the statements of operations. We treat the taxes due on future Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) inclusions in United States taxable income as a current-period expense when incurred.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “Act”) was enacted on July 4, 2025. The Act makes key elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, including 100% bonus depreciation, domestic research cost expensing, the business interest expense limitation and makes modifications to the international tax framework. The financial reporting implications of the Act were recorded in the income tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from the promotion or production of an event in our Concerts segment is recognized when the event occurs. Consideration collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs. Revenue collected from sponsorship agreements, which is not related to a single event, is classified as deferred revenue and recognized over the term of the agreement or operating season as the benefits are provided to the sponsor.
Revenue from our ticketing operations primarily consists of service fees charged at the time a ticket for an event is sold in either the primary or secondary markets. For primary tickets sold to our concert and festival events, where our concert promoters control ticketing, the revenue for the associated ticket service charges collected in advance of the event is recorded as deferred revenue until the event occurs and these service charges are shared between our Ticketing and Concerts segments. For primary tickets sold for events of third-party clients and secondary market sales, the revenue is recognized at the time of the sale and is recorded by our Ticketing segment. Amortization of nonrecoupable ticketing contract advances is recorded as a reduction to revenue.
We account for taxes that are externally imposed on revenue producing transactions on a net basis.
Gross versus Net Revenue Recognition
We report revenue on a gross or net basis based on management’s assessment of whether we act as a principal or agent in the transaction. To the extent we act as the principal, revenue is reported on a gross basis. The determination of whether we act as a principal or an agent in a transaction is based on an evaluation of whether we have control of the good or service before it is transferred to the customer. Our Ticketing segment’s revenue, which primarily consists of service fees from its ticketing operations, is recorded net of the face value of the ticket as well as the portion of the service fee paid to the venue as we generally act as an agent in these transactions.
Business Interruption Insurance Recovery
Business Interruption Insurance Recovery
We record revenue or offset expense for covered business interruptions in the period we determine it is probable we will be compensated for the costs incurred or the applicable contingencies with the insurance company are resolved for lost revenue. This may result in business interruption insurance recoveries being recorded in a period subsequent to the period we experience lost revenue and/or incurred the expenses from a covered event that are being reimbursed. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, we recorded business interruption insurance recoveries of $72.5 million, $51.3 million and $41.5 million, respectively. The recoveries were for a variety of claims and primarily recorded as revenue.
Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency
Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries and foreign equity investees are translated into United States dollars using the average exchange rates during the year. The assets and liabilities of those subsidiaries and investees are translated into United States dollars using the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The related translation adjustments are recorded in a separate component of stockholders’ equity in AOCI. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in the statements of operations and include the impact of revaluation of certain foreign currency denominated net assets or liabilities held internationally. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2023, we recorded net foreign currency transaction losses of $61.1 million and $74.5 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we recorded net foreign currency transaction gains of $14.7 million.
Advertising Expense
Advertising Expense
We record advertising expense in the year that it is incurred. Throughout the year, general advertising expenses are recognized as they are incurred, but event-related advertising for concerts is recognized once the event occurs. If an event is rescheduled into the following year, the advertising costs are expensed in the period the event is rescheduled. However, all advertising costs incurred during the year and not previously recognized are expensed at the end of the year. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, advertising expenses of $731.6 million, $750.9 million and $706.2 million , respectively, were recorded as a component of direct operating expenses. For the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, advertising expenses of $59.8 million, $54.6 million and $47.7 million, respectively, were recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.
Direct Operating Expenses
Direct Operating Expenses
Direct operating expenses include artist fees, event-related marketing and advertising expenses, rent expense for events in third-party venues, credit card fees, telecommunication and data communication costs associated with our call centers, commissions paid on tickets distributed through independent sales outlets away from the box office, and salaries and wages related to seasonal employees at our venues along with other costs, including ticket stock and shipping. These costs are primarily variable in nature. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we reclassified certain software technology costs from selling, general and administrative expenses to direct operating expenses of $52.7 million and $40.2 million, respectively, all within our Ticketing segment, due to the variable nature of these expenses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses include salaries and other compensation costs related to full-time employees, fixed rent, travel and entertainment, legal expenses and consulting along with other costs.
Legal Costs, Policy
Litigation Accruals
We are currently involved in certain legal proceedings and, as required, have accrued our estimate of the probable costs for the resolution of these claims. Management’s estimates used have been developed in consultation with counsel and are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. It is possible, however, that future results of operations for any particular period could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the effectiveness of our strategies related to these proceedings.
Non-cash and Stock-based Compensation
Non-cash and Stock-based Compensation
We follow the fair value recognition provisions in the FASB guidance for stock compensation. Stock-based compensation expense includes compensation expense for all share-based payments using the estimated grant date fair value. Stock-based compensation expense is adjusted for forfeitures as they occur.
The fair value for options in Live Nation stock is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of the options is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the options’ vesting period. We use an expected volatility based on an even weighting of our own traded options and historical volatility. We use a weighted-average expected life based on historical experience calculated with the assistance of outside consultants. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected life of the option is based on the United States Treasury note rate.
The fair value of restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards, which is generally the stock price on the date of grant, is amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period except for restricted stock awards and deferred stock awards with minimum performance or market targets as their vesting condition. The performance-based awards are amortized to expense on a graded basis over the vesting period to the extent that it is probable that the performance criteria will be met. Market-based award fair values are estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation model and are then amortized to expense on a graded basis over the derived service period, which is estimated as the median weighted average vesting period from the Monte Carlo simulation models. However, unlike awards with a service or performance condition, the expense for market-based awards will not be reversed solely because the market condition is not satisfied.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes including, but not limited to, legal, tax and insurance accruals, acquisition accounting and impairments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Updates (ASU)
In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05, “Business Combinations—Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement,” which requires joint ventures to initially measure all contributions received upon its formation at fair value. We adopted this guidance prospectively for all joint venture formations with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025. The adoption did not and is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-08, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets," which requires measurement of crypto assets at fair value each reporting period with changes in fair value recognized on the income statement. This guidance also requires disclosure on significant holdings, contractual sale restrictions and changes during the reporting period of crypto assets. We adopted ASU 2023-08 on January 1, 2025 under the modified retrospective method and recorded a $8.9 million decrease to the opening balance of accumulated deficit and a corresponding increase to intangible assets. We do not engage in speculative investment activities related to crypto assets.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures,” which prescribes standardized categories and disaggregation of information in the reconciliation of provision for income taxes, requires disclosure of disaggregated income taxes paid, and modifies other income tax-related disclosure requirements. We prospectively adopted these disclosures for our annual reporting period ending December 31, 2025 within Note 9 – Income Taxes.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses,” which requires the disclosure of additional information related to certain costs and expenses, including amounts of inventory purchases, employee compensation, and depreciation and amortization included in each income statement line item. The guidance also requires disclosure of the total amount of selling expenses and the Company’s definition of selling expenses. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The guidance is to be applied either prospectively to financial statements issued for reporting periods after the effective date or retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating this guidance and we expect the adoption will result in additional disclosures.
In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-07, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Derivatives Scope Refinements and Scope Clarification for Share-Based Noncash Consideration from a Customer in a Revenue Contract,” which expands Topic 815 scope exceptions to include contracts for which settlement is based on operations or activities specific to one of the parties to the contract. This guidance also clarifies how Topic 606 applies for share-based payments received as noncash consideration from customers. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted and is to be applied either prospectively to new contracts entered into on or after the date of adoption, or on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the annual reporting period of adoption for contracts existing as of the beginning of the annual reporting period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance and we do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
v3.25.4
LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
LONG-LIVED ASSETS [Abstract]  
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
    Land, buildings and improvements$2,873,491 $2,325,929 
    Computer equipment and capitalized software815,403 867,294 
    Furniture and other equipment952,651 757,803 
    Construction in progress830,878 386,880 
Property, plant and equipment, gross5,472,423 4,337,906 
    Less: accumulated depreciation2,056,652 1,896,034 
Property, plant and equipment, net$3,415,771 $2,441,872 
Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
The following table presents the changes in the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Revenue-
generating
contracts
Client /
vendor
relationships
Venue managementTrademarks
and
naming
rights
Technology and Other (1)
Total
 (in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2023:
Gross carrying amount
$925,257 $583,436 $226,788 $183,493 $20,220 $1,939,194 
Accumulated amortization
(336,625)(251,649)(79,218)(104,036)(6,045)(777,573)
Net
588,632 331,787 147,570 79,457 14,175 1,161,621 
Gross carrying amount:
Acquisitions and additions
current year
68,453 52,406 35,273 7,331 7,551 171,014 
Acquisitions and additions
prior year
826 4,066 — — 4,895 
Foreign exchange
(96,995)(32,993)(6,954)(14,096)(709)(151,747)
Other (2)
(77,947)(39,343)(23,930)(14,240)(825)(156,285)
Net change
(105,663)(15,864)4,392 (21,005)6,017 (132,123)
Accumulated amortization:
Amortization
(111,711)(86,637)(23,978)(17,791)(9,142)(249,259)
Foreign exchange
29,331 12,013 2,185 5,096 89 48,714 
Other (2)
79,707 39,892 24,066 11,763 1,432 156,860 
Net change
(2,673)(34,732)2,273 (932)(7,621)(43,685)
Balance as of December 31, 2024:
Gross carrying amount
819,594 567,572 231,180 162,488 26,237 1,807,071 
Accumulated amortization
(339,298)(286,381)(76,945)(104,968)(13,667)(821,259)
Net
480,296 281,191 154,235 57,520 12,570 985,812 
Gross carrying amount:
Acquisitions and additions
current year
52,409 203,456 22,529 2,241 20,934 301,569 
Acquisitions and additions
prior year
— 165 — — — 165 
Foreign exchange
74,948 24,818 6,882 8,354 1,087 116,089 
Other (2)
(160,749)(64,523)(18,161)(69,794)3,148 (310,079)
Net change
(33,392)163,916 11,250 (59,199)25,169 107,744 
Accumulated amortization:
Amortization
(107,524)(102,548)(30,033)(14,270)(10,196)(264,571)
Foreign exchange
(29,106)(10,085)(2,774)(3,225)(479)(45,669)
Other (2)
140,445 64,321 18,280 69,805 2,286 295,137 
Net change
3,815 (48,312)(14,527)52,310 (8,389)(15,103)
Balance as of December 31, 2025:
Gross carrying amount
786,202 731,488 242,430 103,289 51,406 1,914,815 
Accumulated amortization
(335,483)(334,693)(91,472)(52,658)(22,056)(836,362)
Net
$450,719 $396,795 $150,958 $50,631 $29,350 $1,078,453 
___________________
(1) Other primarily includes crypto assets and intangible assets for non-compete agreements.
(2) Other primarily includes netdowns of fully amortized or impaired assets as well as mark-to-market adjustments of crypto assets.
Weighted Average Lives of Additions to Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
The additions to definite-lived intangible assets from acquisitions have weighted-average lives as follows:
  
Weighted-Average Life
20252024
(in years)
Revenue-generating contracts59
Client/vendor relationships65
Trademarks and naming rights56
Technology53
Venue management36
All categories67
Estimate of Amortization Expense for Each of the Five Succeeding Fiscal Years for Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
The following table presents our estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years for definite-lived intangible assets that exist at December 31, 2025:
 
 (in thousands)
2026$248,128 
2027$213,169 
2028$181,755 
2029$153,145 
2030$103,539 
Changes in Goodwill by Segment
The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in each of our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
ConcertsTicketingSponsorship
& Advertising
Total
 (in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2023:
Goodwill $1,439,579 $1,012,530 $674,720 $3,126,829 
Accumulated impairment losses (435,363)— — (435,363)
                 Net1,004,216 1,012,530 674,720 2,691,466 
Acquisitions—current year41,095 507 1,015 42,617 
Acquisitions—prior year4,136 — — 4,136 
Foreign exchange(22,708)(48,816)(45,784)(117,308)
Balance as of December 31, 2024:
Goodwill 1,462,102 964,221 629,951 3,056,274 
Accumulated impairment losses (435,363)— — (435,363)
                 Net1,026,739 964,221 629,951 2,620,911 
Acquisitions—current year144,657 9,727 — 154,384 
Acquisitions—prior year(274)— — (274)
Foreign exchange8,703 40,632 64,823 114,157 
Balance as of December 31, 2025:
Goodwill1,615,188 1,014,580 694,774 3,324,541 
Accumulated impairment losses(435,363)— — (435,363)
                 Net$1,179,825 $1,014,580 $694,774 $2,889,178 
v3.25.4
LEASES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Leases [Abstract]  
Significant Components of Operating Lease Expense
The significant components of operating lease expense are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Operating lease cost$309,999 $264,339 
Variable and short-term lease cost203,094 182,372 
Sublease income(7,461)(6,006)
Net lease cost$505,632 $440,705 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information for our Operating Leases
Supplemental cash flow information for our operating leases is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities$244,159 $249,052 
Lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, net of terminations$385,319 $249,501 
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity
Future maturities of our operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2025 are as follows:
(in thousands)
2026$286,012 
2027254,108 
2028289,268 
2029268,627 
2030251,379 
Thereafter2,407,075 
Total lease payments3,756,469 
Less: Interest1,551,731 
Present value of lease liabilities$2,204,738 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term And Discount Rate For Operating Leases
The weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for our operating leases are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
20252024
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)15.114.5
Weighted average discount rate6.33%6.24%
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Summary of long-term debt
Long-term debt, which includes finance leases, consisted of the following:
December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Senior Secured Credit Facility:
Term loan B$1,300,000 $828,163 
6.5% Senior Secured Notes due 20271,200,000 1,200,000 
3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028500,000 500,000 
5.625% Senior Notes due 2026— 300,000 
4.75% Senior Notes due 2027950,000 950,000 
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025— 83,957 
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029999,958 1,000,000 
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 20301,100,000 1,100,000 
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 20311,400,000 — 
Other debt818,701 529,257 
Total principal amount8,268,659 6,491,377 
Less: unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs(69,011)(53,308)
Total debt, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs 8,199,648 6,438,069 
Less: current portion587,630 260,901 
Total long-term debt, net$7,612,018 $6,177,168 
Future maturities of long-term debt
Future maturities of debt at December 31, 2025 are as follows:
(in thousands)
2026$587,630 
20272,199,465 
20281,531,763 
20291,119,342 
2030142,964 
Thereafter2,687,495 
Total$8,268,659 
Summary of pretax interest cost recognized on convertible senior notes
The following table summarizes the amount of pre-tax interest cost recognized on the convertible senior notes:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
 (in thousands)
Interest cost recognized relating to: 
Contractual interest coupon$71,855 $41,289 $39,159 
Amortization of debt issuance costs7,104 4,095 3,912 
Total interest cost recognized on the convertible senior notes$78,959 $45,384 $43,071 
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
In accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above, the following table shows the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis, which are classified on the balance sheets as cash and cash equivalents, other current assets, other long-term assets, other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities:
 Fair Value Measurements 
 
at December 31, 2025
Fair Value Measurements 
 
at December 31, 2024
 Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
  (in thousands)  (in thousands) 
Assets:
Short-term investments$76,550 $— $— $76,550 $— $— $— $— 
Crypto assets (1)
6,249 — — 6,249 — — — — 
Interest rate swaps
— 9,672 — 9,672 — 29,251 — 29,251 
Forward currency contracts
— 1,629 — 1,629 — 9,462 — 9,462 
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates— — — — 122 — — 122 
Total$82,799 $11,301 $— $94,100 $122 $38,713 $— $38,835 
Liabilities:
Equity awards
$— $— $6,335 $6,335 $— $— $6,300 $6,300 
Forward currency contracts
— 4,864 — 4,864 — 380 — 380 
Contingent consideration
— — 299,682 299,682 — — 48,311 48,311 
Total$— $4,864 $306,017 $310,881 $— $380 $54,611 $54,991 
___________________
(1)    Refer to Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Other Information — Accounting Standards Updates for further discussion on the adoption of ASU 2023-08.
Fair Value of Debt The following table presents the estimated fair values of our senior secured notes, senior notes and convertible senior notes at December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Estimated Fair Value at:
December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
Level 2
(in thousands)
6.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2027$1,211,148 $1,213,896 
3.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2028$492,740 $472,635 
5.625% Senior Notes due 2026 (1)
$— $299,529 
4.75% Senior Notes due 2027$952,765 $919,049 
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2025 (2)
$— $103,032 
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029$1,456,399 $1,365,560 
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030$1,161,182 $1,105,852 
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031 (1)
$1,379,560 $— 
___________________
(1)
 In October 2025, we issued $1.4 billion principal amount of 2.875% convertible senior notes due 2031 and repurchased $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.625% convertible senior notes due 2026.
(2)
In March 2025, we repurchased the remaining aggregate principal amount. Refer to Note 4 – Long-Term Debt for further discussion.
v3.25.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Future Contract and Capital Expenditure Commitments [Table Text Block]
As of December 31, 2025, our future minimum payments under non-cancelable contracts and capital expenditure commitments consist of the following:
 
Non-cancelable
Contracts
Capital
Expenditures
 (in thousands)
2026$2,423,299 $28,384 
2027806,187 14,732 
2028292,010 3,676 
2029449,493 2,838 
2030159,120 2,124 
Thereafter346,409 67,338 
Total$4,476,518 $119,092 
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Significant Components of the Provision for Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Significant components of the provision for income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
(in thousands)
Current:
  Federal$(6,176)$39,122 $1,250 
  Foreign345,460 253,442 229,073 
  State21,005 24,308 23,171 
Total current360,289 316,872 253,494 
Deferred:
  Federal55,229 (557,399)5,982 
  Foreign(68,207)(126,423)(51,209)
  State(7,524)(24,748)1,209 
Total deferred(20,502)(708,570)(44,018)
Income tax expense (benefit)$339,787 $(391,698)$209,476 
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets
Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets are as follows:
December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Deferred tax liabilities:
          Intangible and fixed assets$396,428 $282,200 
          Leases233,421 210,904 
Mark to market50,780 49,691 
          Prepaid expenses10,023 3,802 
          Other9,023 779 
Total deferred tax liabilities699,675 547,376 
Deferred tax assets:
          Net operating loss carryforwards851,765 763,205 
          Leases 277,872 244,476 
          Accrued expenses209,327 251,416 
          Capitalized research and development107,585 90,477 
          Interest limitation73,037 69,128 
          Foreign tax and other credit carryforwards59,294 51,153 
          Other45,270 61,555 
          Intangible and fixed assets16,358 12,411 
          Equity compensation14,111 10,831 
Total gross deferred tax assets1,654,619 1,554,652 
          Valuation allowance587,285 569,495 
Total net deferred tax assets1,067,334 985,157 
Net deferred tax assets$367,659 $437,781 
Reconciliation of Income Taxes at the United States Statutory Rate to Income Tax Expense
Year Ended December 31,
2025
Total%
(in thousands)
U.S. federal statutory tax rate$216,411 21.0 %
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect (2)
11,158 1.1 %
Foreign tax effects
Australia
Deferred taxes(12,374)(1.2)%
Other8,070 (1)0.8 %
Canada
Deferred taxes20,892 2.0 %
Other7,244 (1)0.7 %
Mexico
Nontaxable or nondeductible items25,001 2.4 %
Tax rate differential16,819 1.6 %
Other(352)(1)— %
Other foreign jurisdictions (3)
25,851 2.5 %
Effect of cross-border tax laws
Foreign income inclusion27,656 2.7 %
Other61 (1)— %
Changes in valuation allowances2,136 (1)0.2 %
Nontaxable or nondeductible items
Executive compensation in excess of $1 million35,771 3.5 %
Minority interest - nondeductible(9,856)(1)(1.0)%
Nontaxable income(15,061)(1.5)%
Other(7,237)(1)(0.7)%
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits2,528 (1)0.2 %
Return to provision(14,931)(1.3)%
Effective tax rate$339,787 33.0 %
(1)The impact of the individual reconciling item in this period is below the threshold and is not material to the users of the financial statements considering the nature and relative significance of the reconciling item.
(2)
State taxes in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas made up the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect in this category.
(3)
All other foreign jurisdictions do not exceed the 5% threshold at the jurisdiction level in total or for individual reconciling items of the same nature within each jurisdiction.
Income tax expense is principally attributable to operational results in tax paying jurisdictions.
Amounts included in Foreign Tax Effects are impacted by changes in the mix of international earnings subject to various tax rates which can differ greatly in their proximity to the United States statutory rate and current and deferred adjustments related to payable and deferred tax assets.
Amounts included in the Effect of Cross-border Tax Laws include unfavorable inclusions for Subpart F.
Nondeductible items for all years presented include the impact of increased nondeductible expenses pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) including nondeductible executive compensation.
The following table reconciles the United States federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 prior to our adoption of ASU 2023-09:
Year Ended December 31,
20242023
(in thousands)
Income tax expense at United States statutory rate of 21%
$155,280 $187,854 
Differences between foreign and United States statutory rates
70,469 86,537 
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits27,844 22,889 
Nondeductible items23,898 25,959 
United States income inclusions and exclusions(10,332)28,450 
Non-United States income inclusions and exclusions(9,466)(63,691)
Tax contingencies674 6,191 
Tax expense from acquired goodwill— 7,953 
Other, net166 784 
Change in valuation allowance(650,231)(93,450)
$(391,698)$209,476 
Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
(in thousands)
Balance at January 1$29,692 $30,466 $22,996 
Additions:
          Increase for current year positions— 1,451 2,333 
          Increase for prior year positions1,505 1,001 4,453 
          Interest and penalties for prior years1,027 255 1,063 
Reductions:
          Statute lapse for prior year positions— (3)— 
          Settlements for prior year positions(878)(3,166)(379)
Foreign exchange187 (312)— 
Balance at December 31$31,533 $29,692 $30,466 
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures for Cash Paid for Income Taxes, Net of Refunds Received [Table Text Block]
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net of refunds, are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
2025
(in thousands)
State$33,366 
Foreign
Mexico102,806 
United Kingdom24,312 
Canada22,298 
Other foreign130,256 
Total$313,038 
There was no cash paid for United States federal income taxes as we generated a taxable loss for the year ended December 31, 2025 due to the provisions allowed within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “Act”) discussed below.
v3.25.4
EQUITY (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Equity [Abstract]  
Reconciliation Of Common Stock Issued
The following table reconciles common stock reported in the consolidated statements of changes in equity to the consolidated balance sheets.
December 31,
20252024
Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated statement of changes in equity232,837,623 231,295,639 
  Unvested restricted stock awards1,402,205 1,480,062 
  Unvested deferred stock awards1,755,749 1,996,058 
Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated balance sheets235,995,577 234,771,759 
Change in Noncontrolling Ownership Interest The following schedule reflects the change in ownership interests for these transactions:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
 (in thousands)
Net income attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation
$495,972 $896,287 $556,893 
Transfers of noncontrolling interests:   
Changes in Live Nation’s additional paid-in capital for purchases of noncontrolling interests, net of transaction costs
(32,435)(30,049)(100,940)
Net transfers of noncontrolling interests(32,435)(30,049)(100,940)
Change from net income attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation and net transfers of noncontrolling interests
$463,537 $866,238 $455,953 
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table presents changes in the components of AOCI, net of taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:
Cash Flow HedgesCumulative Foreign Currency Translation AdjustmentsTotal
(in thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2022$41,283 $(131,359)$(90,076)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications5,225 129,459 134,684 
Amount reclassified from AOCI(17,158)— (17,158)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)(11,933)129,459 117,526 
Balance at December 31, 202329,350 (1,900)27,450 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications10,529 (354,730)(344,201)
Amount reclassified from AOCI(18,361)— (18,361)
Net other comprehensive loss(7,832)(354,730)(362,562)
Balance at December 31, 202421,518 (356,630)(335,112)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications(820)237,886 237,066 
Amount reclassified from AOCI(16,826)— (16,826)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)(17,646)237,886 220,240 
Balance at December 31, 2025$3,872 $(118,744)$(114,872)
Computation of Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
The following table sets forth the computation of weighted average common shares outstanding:
Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
Weighted average common shares—basic231,844,300 230,124,255 228,628,390 
Effect of dilutive shares:
Stock options and restricted stock— 2,686,001 2,348,936 
Convertible senior notes— 3,542,193 — 
Weighted average common shares—diluted 231,844,300 236,352,449 230,977,326 
Potentially Dilutive Securities Excluded From Diluted Net Income Per Common Share
The following table shows securities excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per common share because such securities were anti-dilutive:
  
Year Ended December 31,
  
202520242023
Options to purchase shares of common stock924,602 — 3,750 
Restricted and deferred stock awards—unvested3,086,132 1,518,940 2,527,463 
Conversion shares related to convertible senior notes
21,170,322 14,946,450 13,004,660 
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding
25,181,056 16,465,390 15,535,873 
v3.25.4
SEGMENTS AND REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
The following table presents the results of operations for our reportable segments for the years ending December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:
ConcertsTicketingSponsorship
& Advertising
Other & EliminationsCorporateConsolidated
 (in thousands)
2025
Revenue$20,860,726$3,081,166$1,329,233$(69,719)$— $25,201,406 
% of Consolidated Revenue82.8%12.2%5.3%(0.3)%
Other Segment Items20,173,6431,946,734484,008(44,986)275,607 22,835,006 
AOI$687,083$1,134,432$845,225$(24,733)$(275,607)$2,366,400 
Intersegment revenue$40,736$25,376$3,607$(69,719)$— $— 
Capital expenditures$942,053$92,058$30,964$$21,364 $1,086,439 
2024
Revenue$19,024,302$2,988,685$1,195,019$(52,381)$— $23,155,625 
% of Consolidated Revenue82.2%12.9%5.2%(0.3)%
Other Segment Items18,494,5541,865,097431,242(24,121)242,955 21,009,727 
AOI$529,748$1,123,588$763,777$(28,260)$(242,955)$2,145,898 
Intersegment revenue$29,633$22,220$528$(52,381)$— $— 
Capital expenditures$491,691$87,925$24,507$$33,508 $637,631 
2023
Revenue$18,740,913$2,959,477$1,095,217$(69,290)$— $22,726,317 
% of Consolidated Revenue82.5%13.0%4.8%(0.3)%
Other Segment Items18,420,5161,819,344420,080(29,716)214,974 20,845,198 
AOI$320,397$1,140,133$675,137$(39,574)$(214,974)$1,881,119 
Intersegment revenue$17,773$51,517$$(69,290)$— $— 
Capital expenditures$346,392$68,991$18,250$$35,118 $468,751 
Reconciliation of AOI to Operating Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of consolidated AOI to operating income for the for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:
202520242023
(in thousands)
AOI$2,366,400 $2,145,898 $1,881,119 
Acquisition expenses259,586 128,513 93,664 
Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advance88,386 88,717 83,693 
Depreciation and amortization638,872 549,923 516,797 
Gain on sale of operating assets(18,528)(11,015)(13,927)
Astroworld loss contingencies(8,352)454,902 — 
Stock-based compensation expense155,219 110,348 115,959 
Operating income$1,251,217 $824,510 $1,084,933 
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]
The table below summarizes the amount of prior year current deferred revenue recognized during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
December 31,
20252024
(in thousands)
Concerts$3,287,175 $3,046,474 
Ticketing205,199 176,901 
Sponsorship & Advertising 90,461 96,988 
$3,582,835 $3,320,363 
v3.25.4
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]  
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The following is a summary of stock-based compensation expense we recorded during the respective periods:
  
Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
 (in thousands)
Selling, general and administrative expenses$108,680 $50,668 $40,751 
Corporate expenses46,539 59,680 75,208 
Total $155,219 $110,348 $115,959 
Summary of Stock Options Activity
The following table presents a summary of our stock options outstanding at the dates given, and stock option activity for the period between such dates (“Price” reflects the weighted average exercise price per share):  
Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
     Options    Price    Options    Price    Options    Price
 (in thousands, except per share data)
Outstanding January 11,514 $34.12 2,366 $32.85 3,257 $29.78 
Exercised(589)22.32 (851)30.57 (891)21.63 
Forfeited or expired
— — (1)63.29 — — 
Outstanding December 31925 $41.65 1,514 $34.12 2,366 $32.85 
Exercisable December 31925 $41.65 1,513 $34.09 2,362 $32.78 
Weighted average fair value per option granted$— $—  $— 
Summary of Stock Options, by Range of Exercise Price As of December 31, 2025, all outstanding stock options were vested and exercisable, and expiration dates range from May 2026 to December 2030 at exercise prices and average contractual lives as follows:
Range of
Exercise
Prices
Outstanding
as of
12/31/25
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price 
Exercisable
as of
12/31/25
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
(in thousands) 
(in years) 
(in thousands) 
(in years) 
$20.00 - $24.99
0.4$23.43 0.4$23.43 
$25.00 - $29.99
453 1.2$29.03 453 1.2$29.03 
$30.00 - $44.99
110 2.2$44.05 110 2.2$44.05 
$45.00 - $60.99
348 3.2$56.82 348 3.2$56.82 
$61.00 - $89.99
4.9$70.26 4.9$70.26 
Summary of Unvested Restricted Stock Activity
The following table presents a summary of our unvested restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 (“Price” reflects the weighted average share price at the date of grant):
 
Restricted Stock
 AwardsPrice
 (in thousands, except per share data)
Unvested at December 31, 2022996 $89.22 
Granted841 70.51 
Forfeited(7)92.06 
Vested(357)89.93 
Unvested at December 31, 20231,473 $78.34 
Granted749 96.49 
Forfeited(32)85.51 
Vested(710)81.84 
Unvested at December 31, 20241,480 $85.70 
Granted877 132.43 
Forfeited(63)96.61 
Vested(892)92.50 
Unvested at December 31, 20251,402 $109.72 
Assumptions Used to Calculate Fair Value of Deferred Stock Awards
The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair value of the deferred stock awards with market conditions on the date of grant:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 202520242023
Risk-free interest rate
3.67% - 3.90%
4.17 %4.47 %
Volatility factors
33.37% - 37.00%
40.57 %39.33 %
Weighted average expected life (in years)4.794.845.22
Summary of Deferred Stock Activity
The following table presents a summary of our unvested deferred stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 (“Price” reflects the weighted average grant date fair value):
Deferred Stock
AwardsPrice
(in thousands, except per share data)
Unvested at December 31, 20222,160 $59.79 
Awarded289 70.47 
Forfeited— — 
Vested— — 
Unvested at December 31, 20232,449 $61.05 
Awarded33 76.61 
Forfeited— — 
Vested(486)66.87 
Unvested at December 31, 20241,996 $59.89 
Awarded781 99.40 
Forfeited— — 
Vested(1,021)62.87 
Unvested at December 31, 20251,756 $75.74 
v3.25.4
OTHER INFORMATION (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]  
Other information
 December 31,
 20252024
 (in thousands)
The following details the components of “Other current assets”:  
Notes receivable$72,918 $32,018 
Inventory56,576 50,145 
Restricted Cash12,786 10,685 
Other275,125 107,365 
Total other current assets$417,405 $200,213 
The following details the components of “Other long-term assets”:  
Deferred income tax assets$450,957 $577,932 
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates515,636 504,194 
Notes receivable233,113 226,021 
Other485,194 472,819 
Total other long-term assets$1,684,900 $1,780,966 
The following details the components of “Accrued expenses and accounts payable”:  
Accrued event and talent fees expenses$1,069,576 $934,560 
Accrued compensation and benefits619,688 512,531 
Accrued insurance409,629 316,967 
Accounts payable253,261 242,978 
Collections on behalf of others143,610 120,873 
Accrued legal47,535 284,544 
Other1,012,512 887,859 
Total accrued expenses and accounts payable$3,555,811 $3,300,312 
The following details the components of “Other current liabilities”:  
Contingent and deferred purchase consideration$285,479 $40,801 
Current portion of operating lease liabilities167,764 153,406 
Other28,818 22,090 
Total other current liabilities$482,061 $216,297 
   
The following details the components of “Other long-term liabilities”:  
Deferred income tax liabilities$83,298 $140,151 
Deferred revenue73,073 120,064 
Contingent and deferred purchase consideration29,909 20,735 
Other229,564 196,813 
Total other long-term liabilities$415,844 $477,763 
v3.25.4
GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]
The following table provides revenue and long-lived assets, including operating lease assets, for our foreign operations included in the consolidated financial statements:
EuropeOther ForeignTotal ForeignDomesticConsolidated Total
(in thousands)
2025
Revenue$5,815,492 $5,056,552 $10,872,044 $14,329,362 $25,201,406 
Long-lived assets, including
operating lease assets
$1,213,347 $769,019 $1,982,366 $3,303,158 $5,285,524 
2024
Revenue$4,621,210 $4,160,359 $8,781,569 $14,374,056 $23,155,625 
Long-lived assets, including
operating lease assets
$825,909 $348,913 $1,174,822 $2,885,083 $4,059,905 
2023
Revenue$4,425,854 $4,085,191 $8,511,045 $14,215,272 $22,726,317 
Long-lived assets, including
operating lease assets
$819,426 $306,725 $1,126,151 $2,581,701 $3,707,852 
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Variable Interest Entities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]    
Total assets $ 22,912,533 $ 19,638,771
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]    
Variable Interest Entities [Line Items]    
Total assets 941,400 839,900
Liabilities $ 875,400 $ 577,600
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]    
Client Cash $ 1,600.0 $ 1,600.0
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Useful Lives) (Details)
Dec. 31, 2025
Building and Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 10 years
Building and Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 50 years
Computer Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 3 years
Computer Equipment and Capitalized Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 10 years
Furniture and Other Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 3 years
Furniture and Other Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]  
Estimated Useful Life 10 years
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Schedule of Intangible Asset Useful Lives) (Details)
Dec. 31, 2025
Minimum [Member]  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives 3 years
Maximum [Member]  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]  
Estimated useful lives 10 years
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Goodwill) (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2024
reporting_unit
Jul. 01, 2024
reporting_unit
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2023
USD ($)
Rate
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Reporting Unit Assessed Percentage of Goodwill | Rate         12.00%
Goodwill impairment | $     $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Reporting units tested as of July 1 and October 1, 2024 | Reporting units assessed under quantitative analysis          
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Number of Reporting Units   3      
Reporting units tested as of July 1 and October 1, 2024 | Reporting units further assessed using qualitative evaluation          
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Number of Reporting Units 3        
Reporting units tested as of October 1, 2024 only | Reporting units assessed under quantitative analysis          
Goodwill [Line Items]          
Number of Reporting Units 3        
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Leases) (Details)
Dec. 31, 2025
Minimum [Member]  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Renewal term range for operating leases 1 year
Maximum [Member]  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Renewal term range for operating leases 10 years
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Business Interruption Claims) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Business Interruption Insurance Recovery [Abstract]      
Business Interruption Insurance Recovery $ 72.5 $ 51.3 $ 41.5
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Foreign Currency) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]      
Net foreign currency transaction gains / (losses) $ (61.1) $ 14.7 $ (74.5)
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Advertising Expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Direct Operating Expense [Member]      
Income Statement Location [Line Items]      
Advertising expense $ 731.6 $ 750.9 $ 706.2
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member]      
Income Statement Location [Line Items]      
Advertising expense $ 59.8 $ 54.6 $ 47.7
v3.25.4
THE COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (ASU Update) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
Jan. 01, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Accumulated deficit $ (1,041,978)   $ (1,546,819)
Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2023-08 [Member]      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Accumulated deficit   $ 8,900  
v3.25.4
LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
LONG-LIVED ASSETS [Abstract]    
Interest Costs Capitalized $ 24,000  
Land, buildings and improvements 2,873,491 $ 2,325,929
Computer equipment and capitalized software 815,403 867,294
Furniture and other equipment 952,651 757,803
Construction in progress 830,878 386,880
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total 5,472,423 4,337,906
Less: accumulated depreciation 2,056,652 1,896,034
Property, plant and equipment, net $ 3,415,771 $ 2,441,872
v3.25.4
LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Definite-lived Intangibles) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]      
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period $ 1,807,071 $ 1,939,194  
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period (821,259) (777,573)  
Net 985,812 1,161,621  
Acquisitions and additions current year 301,569 171,014  
Acquisitions and additions prior year 165 4,895  
Foreign exchange 116,089 (151,747)  
Other (2) [1] (310,079) (156,285)  
Net change 107,744 (132,123)  
Amortization of Intangible Assets 264,571 249,259 $ 237,600
Foreign exchange (45,669) 48,714  
Other (2) [1] 295,137 156,860  
Net change (15,103) (43,685)  
Gross carrying amount - end of period 1,914,815 1,807,071 1,939,194
Accumulated amortization (836,362) (821,259) (777,573)
Net $ 1,078,453 $ 985,812 1,161,621
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets, 6 years 7 years  
Estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years [Abstract]      
2026 $ 248,128    
2027 213,169    
2028 181,755    
2029 153,145    
2030 103,539    
Revenue-generating contracts [Member]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]      
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period 819,594 $ 925,257  
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period (339,298) (336,625)  
Net 480,296 588,632  
Acquisitions and additions current year 52,409 68,453  
Acquisitions and additions prior year 0 826  
Foreign exchange 74,948 (96,995)  
Other (2) [1] (160,749) (77,947)  
Net change (33,392) (105,663)  
Amortization of Intangible Assets 107,524 111,711  
Foreign exchange (29,106) 29,331  
Other (2) [1] 140,445 79,707  
Net change 3,815 (2,673)  
Gross carrying amount - end of period 786,202 819,594 925,257
Accumulated amortization (335,483) (339,298) (336,625)
Net $ 450,719 $ 480,296 588,632
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets, 5 years 9 years  
Client vendor relationships [Member]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]      
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period $ 567,572 $ 583,436  
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period (286,381) (251,649)  
Net 281,191 331,787  
Acquisitions and additions current year 203,456 52,406  
Acquisitions and additions prior year 165 4,066  
Foreign exchange 24,818 (32,993)  
Other (2) [1] (64,523) (39,343)  
Net change 163,916 (15,864)  
Amortization of Intangible Assets 102,548 86,637  
Foreign exchange (10,085) 12,013  
Other (2) [1] 64,321 39,892  
Net change (48,312) (34,732)  
Gross carrying amount - end of period 731,488 567,572 583,436
Accumulated amortization (334,693) (286,381) (251,649)
Net $ 396,795 $ 281,191 331,787
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets, 6 years 5 years  
Venue management and leaseholds [Member]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]      
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period $ 231,180 $ 226,788  
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period (76,945) (79,218)  
Net 154,235 147,570  
Acquisitions and additions current year 22,529 35,273  
Acquisitions and additions prior year 0 3  
Foreign exchange 6,882 (6,954)  
Other (2) [1] (18,161) (23,930)  
Net change 11,250 4,392  
Amortization of Intangible Assets 30,033 23,978  
Foreign exchange (2,774) 2,185  
Other (2) [1] 18,280 24,066  
Net change (14,527) 2,273  
Gross carrying amount - end of period 242,430 231,180 226,788
Accumulated amortization (91,472) (76,945) (79,218)
Net $ 150,958 $ 154,235 147,570
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets, 3 years 6 years  
Trademarks and naming rights [Member]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]      
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period $ 162,488 $ 183,493  
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period (104,968) (104,036)  
Net 57,520 79,457  
Acquisitions and additions current year 2,241 7,331  
Acquisitions and additions prior year 0 0  
Foreign exchange 8,354 (14,096)  
Other (2) [1] (69,794) (14,240)  
Net change (59,199) (21,005)  
Amortization of Intangible Assets 14,270 17,791  
Foreign exchange (3,225) 5,096  
Other (2) [1] 69,805 11,763  
Net change 52,310 (932)  
Gross carrying amount - end of period 103,289 162,488 183,493
Accumulated amortization (52,658) (104,968) (104,036)
Net $ 50,631 $ 57,520 79,457
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets, 5 years 6 years  
Technology [Member]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]      
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period $ 26,237 $ 20,220  
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period (13,667) (6,045)  
Net 12,570 14,175  
Acquisitions and additions current year 20,934 7,551  
Acquisitions and additions prior year 0 0  
Foreign exchange 1,087 (709)  
Other (2) 3,148 (825)  
Net change 25,169 6,017  
Amortization of Intangible Assets 10,196 9,142  
Foreign exchange (479) 89  
Other (2) 2,286 1,432  
Net change (8,389) (7,621)  
Gross carrying amount - end of period 51,406 26,237 20,220
Accumulated amortization (22,056) (13,667) (6,045)
Net $ 29,350 $ 12,570 14,175
Weighted Average Useful Life of Finite-lived Intangible Assets, 5 years 3 years  
Other Intangible Assets [Member]      
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]      
Gross carrying amount - beginning of period [2] $ 26,237 $ 20,220  
Accumulated amortization - beginning of period [2] (13,667) (6,045)  
Net [2] 12,570 14,175  
Acquisitions and additions current year [2] 20,934 7,551  
Acquisitions and additions prior year [2] 0 0  
Foreign exchange [2] 1,087 (709)  
Other (2) [2] 3,148 (825)  
Net change [2] 25,169 6,017  
Amortization of Intangible Assets [2] 10,196 9,142  
Foreign exchange [2] (479) 89  
Other (2) [2] 2,286 1,432  
Net change [2] (8,389) (7,621)  
Gross carrying amount - end of period [2] 51,406 26,237 20,220
Accumulated amortization [2] (22,056) (13,667) (6,045)
Net [2] $ 29,350 $ 12,570 $ 14,175
[1] Other primarily includes netdowns of fully amortized or impaired assets as well as mark-to-market adjustments of crypto assets.
[2] Other primarily includes crypto assets and intangible assets for non-compete agreements.
v3.25.4
LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Definite-lived Intangibles Amortization) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets $ (264,571) $ (249,259) $ (237,600)
v3.25.4
LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Indefinite-lived Intangibles) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net $ 369,015 $ 380,558
Trade Names [Member] | Crypto Asset, Other [Member]    
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net $ 369,000 $ 380,600
v3.25.4
LONG-LIVED ASSETS (Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Gross Goodwill - Beginning of period $ 3,056,274 $ 3,126,829
Accumulated impairment losses (435,363) (435,363)
Net Goodwill - Beginning of period 2,620,911 2,691,466
Acquisitions—current year 154,384 42,617
Acquisitions—prior year (274) 4,136
Foreign exchange 114,157 (117,308)
Gross Goodwill - End of period 3,324,541 3,056,274
Accumulated impairment losses (435,363) (435,363)
Net Goodwill - End of period 2,889,178 2,620,911
Concerts [Member]    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Gross Goodwill - Beginning of period 1,462,102 1,439,579
Accumulated impairment losses (435,363) (435,363)
Net Goodwill - Beginning of period 1,026,739 1,004,216
Acquisitions—current year 144,657 41,095
Acquisitions—prior year (274) 4,136
Foreign exchange 8,703 (22,708)
Gross Goodwill - End of period 1,615,188 1,462,102
Accumulated impairment losses (435,363) (435,363)
Net Goodwill - End of period 1,179,825 1,026,739
Ticketing    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Gross Goodwill - Beginning of period 964,221 1,012,530
Accumulated impairment losses 0 0
Net Goodwill - Beginning of period 964,221 1,012,530
Acquisitions—current year 9,727 507
Acquisitions—prior year 0 0
Foreign exchange 40,632 (48,816)
Gross Goodwill - End of period 1,014,580 964,221
Accumulated impairment losses 0 0
Net Goodwill - End of period 1,014,580 964,221
Sponsorship and Advertising [Member]    
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Gross Goodwill - Beginning of period 629,951 674,720
Accumulated impairment losses 0 0
Net Goodwill - Beginning of period 629,951 674,720
Acquisitions—current year 0 1,015
Acquisitions—prior year 0 0
Foreign exchange 64,823 (45,784)
Gross Goodwill - End of period 694,774 629,951
Accumulated impairment losses 0 0
Net Goodwill - End of period $ 694,774 $ 629,951
v3.25.4
LEASES (Significant Components of Operating Lease Expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Leases [Abstract]    
Operating lease cost $ 309,999 $ 264,339
Variable and short-term lease cost 203,094 182,372
Sublease income (7,461) (6,006)
Net lease cost $ 505,632 $ 440,705
v3.25.4
LEASES (Supplemental Cash Flow Information For Operating Leases) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Leases [Abstract]    
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 244,159 $ 249,052
Lease assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, net of terminations $ 385,319 $ 249,501
v3.25.4
LEASES (Future Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities) (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]  
2026 $ 286,012
2027 254,108
2028 289,268
2029 268,627
2030 251,379
Thereafter 2,407,075
Total lease payments 3,756,469
Less: Interest 1,551,731
Present value of lease liabilities $ 2,204,738
v3.25.4
LEASES (Weighted Average Lease Term and Discount Rate) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) 15 years 1 month 6 days 14 years 6 months
Weighted average discount rate 6.33% 6.24%
Total Lease payments due under operating leases that have not yet commenced $ 977.9  
Minimum [Member]    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Lease term for operating leases that have not yet commenced 5 years  
Maximum [Member]    
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]    
Lease term for operating leases that have not yet commenced 39 years  
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total $ 8,268,659,000 $ 6,491,377,000
Less: unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs (69,011,000) (53,308,000)
Total debt, net of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs 8,199,648,000 6,438,069,000
Less: current portion 587,630,000 260,901,000
Total long-term debt, net 7,612,018,000 6,177,168,000
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total 1,300,000,000 828,163,000
6.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2027 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total 1,200,000,000 1,200,000,000
3.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2028 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total 500,000,000.0 500,000,000
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total 0 300,000,000
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total 950,000,000.0 950,000,000
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total 0 83,957,000
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total 999,958,000 1,000,000,000
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total 1,100,000,000 1,100,000,000
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total 1,400,000,000 0
Other Long Term Debt [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total $ 818,701,000 $ 529,257,000
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (Future Maturities of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]    
2026 $ 587,630  
2027 2,199,465  
2028 1,531,763  
2029 1,119,342  
2030 142,964  
Thereafter 2,687,495  
Total $ 8,268,659 $ 6,491,377
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (Amended Senior Secured Credit Facility) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Aug. 14, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Consolidated Net Debt Deduction Limit $ 500,000,000    
Long-Term Debt, Gross 8,268,659,000   $ 6,491,377,000
OCESA Acquisition      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Subsidiary, Ownership Percentage, Parent   24.00%  
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Interest rate swap, notional amount $ 500,000,000.0    
Fixed interest rate on interest rate swap 3.445%    
Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,300,000,000    
Venue Expansion Revolving Facility      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity 400,000,000    
Delayed Draw Term Loan A      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity 700,000,000    
Delayed Draw Term Loan A Facility Commitment Amount $ 0    
Delayed Draw Term Loan A | First Three Years After Closing      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt Instrument, Quarterly Payments, Percent 0.625%    
Delayed Draw Term Loan A | Thereafter      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt Instrument, Quarterly Payments, Percent 1.25%    
Delayed Draw Term Loan A | Base Rate [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Basis spread on variable rate 0.50%    
Delayed Draw Term Loan A | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Basis spread on variable rate 1.50%    
Term Loan B      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,300,000,000    
Debt Instrument, Quarterly Payments, Percent 0.25%    
Term Loan B | Base Rate [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Basis spread on variable rate 1.00%    
Term Loan B | Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Basis spread on variable rate 2.00%    
Letter of Credit      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 250,000,000    
Swingline Loans      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 200,000,000    
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Revolving credit facility, commitment fee on undrawn portion available 0.35%    
Outstanding letters of credit $ 20,500,000    
Current borrowing capacity available $ 1,680,000,000    
Percentage of capital stock of foreign wholly owned (first-tier) subsidiaries 65.00%    
Prior Credit Agreement's Senior Secured Credit Facility      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-Term Debt, Gross   $ 775,000,000.0  
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (6.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2027) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 8,268,659,000 $ 6,491,377,000
6.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2027 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 1,200,000,000 $ 1,200,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage 6.50%  
Percentage of capital stock of foreign wholly owned subsidiaries 65.00%  
6.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2027 [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Redemption price, percentage 101.625%  
6.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2027 [Member] | Redemption, Defined Changes of Control [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Redemption price, percentage 101.00%  
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (3.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2028) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 8,268,659 $ 6,491,377
3.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2028 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 500,000 $ 500,000
Interest rate, stated percentage 3.75%  
3.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2028 [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Redemption price, percentage 101.875%  
3.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2028 [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Defined Changes of Control [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Redemption price, percentage 101.00%  
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 8,268,659,000 $ 6,491,377,000
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 950,000,000.0 $ 950,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage 4.75%  
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Redemption price, percentage 100.00%  
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] | Redemption, Defined Changes of Control [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Redemption price, percentage 101.00%  
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (3.125% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 12, 2023
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Jan. 09, 2023
$ / shares
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross   $ 8,268,659,000 $ 6,491,377,000  
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross   $ 999,958,000 $ 1,000,000,000  
Interest rate, stated percentage   3.125%    
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio   0.0092259    
Conversion premium   50.00%    
Last reported sale price used to calculate conversion premium | $ / shares       $ 72.26
Maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion | shares   13,800,000    
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense   $ 8,100,000    
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period   3 years    
Conversion premium if converted and fully settled in shares | shares   314,700,000    
Effective interest rate   3.17%    
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 | Redemption, Redeem For Cash [Member]        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Redemption price, percentage   100.00%    
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Fundamental Change [Member]        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Redemption price, percentage   100.00%    
Capped Call Transaction Cost        
Debt Instrument [Line Items]        
Derivative, Cap Price 144.52      
Capped Call Premium       100.00%
Capped Call Transaction Cost $ 75,500,000      
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030) (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
shares
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 03, 2024
$ / shares
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 8,268,659 $ 6,491,377  
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 1,100,000 $ 1,100,000  
Interest rate, stated percentage 2.875%    
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio 0.0052005    
Conversion premium 40.00%    
Last reported sale price used to calculate conversion premium | $ / shares     $ 137.35
Maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion | shares 8,000,000.0    
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense $ 14,700    
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period 4 years    
Effective interest rate 2.913%    
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030 | Redemption, Redeem For Cash [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Redemption price, percentage 100.00%    
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Fundamental Change [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Redemption price, percentage 100.00%    
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031) (Details) - 2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
shares
Oct. 10, 2025
USD ($)
Oct. 08, 2025
$ / shares
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Face Amount   $ 1,400,000  
Interest rate, stated percentage   2.875%  
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio 0.0044459    
Conversion premium 50.00%    
Last reported sale price used to calculate conversion premium | $ / shares     $ 149.95
Maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion | shares 9,300,000    
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense $ 20,600    
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Remaining Discount Amortization Period 6 years    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage 3.11%    
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Redemption price, percentage 100.00%    
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Convertible Note Debt Interest Expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Contractual interest coupon $ 71,855 $ 41,289 $ 39,159
Amortization of debt issuance costs 7,104 4,095 3,912
Total interest cost recognized on the notes $ 78,959 $ 45,384 $ 43,071
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (Debt Extinguishment) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Feb. 18, 2025
Dec. 31, 2025
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount $ 84,800  
Interest rate, stated percentage 2.00%  
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Units 182,560  
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2026    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount   $ 300,000
Interest rate, stated percentage   5.625%
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (Other Debt) (Details) - Other Long Term Debt [Member]
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Finance Lease, Liability $ 4,200
Debt, weighted average interest rate 4.30%
United States Venue Management Acquisition  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Other long-term debt $ 275,000
Europe Asset Acquisition  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Other long-term debt 136,200
Noncontrolling Interest Partners [Member]  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Other long-term debt $ 23,500
v3.25.4
LONG-TERM DEBT (Debt Covenants) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA 6.75
Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA 5.25
6.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2027 [Member]  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Interest rate, stated percentage 6.50%
3.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2028 [Member]  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Interest rate, stated percentage 3.75%
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Interest rate, stated percentage 4.75%
First Step Down Period Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio Reduced | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA 0.50
Subsequent Annual Step Down Period Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio Reduced | Senior Secured Credit Facility [Member]  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA 0.50
v3.25.4
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Derivative Instruments (Details) - Interest Rate Swap [Member] - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]  
Interest rate swap, notional amount $ 500
Fixed interest rate on interest rate swap 3.445%
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - Fair Value, Recurring [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Short-Term Investments $ 76,550 $ 0
Crypto Asset, Fair Value 6,249 [1] 0
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value 9,672 29,251
Forward currency contracts 1,629 9,462
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates 0 122
Total 94,100 38,835
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Equity awards 6,335 6,300
Forward currency contracts 4,864 380
Contingent consideration 299,682 48,311
Total 310,881 54,991
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]    
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Short-Term Investments 76,550 0
Crypto Asset, Fair Value 6,249 [1] 0
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value 0 0
Forward currency contracts 0 0
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates 0 122
Total 82,799 122
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Equity awards 0 0
Forward currency contracts 0 0
Contingent consideration 0 0
Total 0 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]    
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Short-Term Investments 0 0
Crypto Asset, Fair Value 0 0
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value 9,672 29,251
Forward currency contracts 1,629 9,462
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates 0 0
Total 11,301 38,713
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Equity awards 0 0
Forward currency contracts 4,864 380
Contingent consideration 0 0
Total 4,864 380
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]    
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Short-Term Investments 0 0
Crypto Asset, Fair Value 0 0
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value 0 0
Forward currency contracts 0 0
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates 0 0
Total 0 0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Equity awards 6,335 6,300
Forward currency contracts 0 0
Contingent consideration 299,682 48,311
Total $ 306,017 $ 54,611
[1] Refer to Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Other Information — Accounting Standards Updates for further discussion on the adoption of ASU 2023-08.
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair Value of Debt) (Details) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2025
Oct. 10, 2025
Feb. 18, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 8,268,659,000     $ 6,491,377,000
6.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2027 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 1,200,000,000     1,200,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage 6.50%      
6.5% Senior Secured Notes Due 2027 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-term Debt, Fair Value $ 1,211,148,000     1,213,896,000
3.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2028 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 500,000,000.0     500,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage 3.75%      
3.75% Senior Secured Notes Due 2028 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-term Debt, Fair Value $ 492,740,000     472,635,000
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 0     300,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage 5.625%      
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount $ 300,000,000.0      
5.625% Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 0 [1]     299,529,000
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 950,000,000.0     950,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage 4.75%      
4.75% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-term Debt, Fair Value $ 952,765,000     919,049,000
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross 0     83,957,000
Interest rate, stated percentage     2.00%  
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount     $ 84,800,000  
2.0% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures 0 [2]     103,032,000
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 999,958,000     1,000,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage 3.125%      
3.125% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029 | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures $ 1,456,399,000     1,365,560,000
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross $ 1,100,000,000     1,100,000,000
Interest rate, stated percentage 2.875%      
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030 | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures $ 1,161,182,000     1,105,852,000
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Long-Term Debt, Gross 1,400,000,000     0
Interest rate, stated percentage   2.875%    
2.875% Convertible Senior Notes due 2031 | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures $ 1,379,560,000 [1]     $ 0
[1]
 In October 2025, we issued $1.4 billion principal amount of 2.875% convertible senior notes due 2031 and repurchased $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.625% convertible senior notes due 2026.
[2]
In March 2025, we repurchased the remaining aggregate principal amount. Refer to Note 4 – Long-Term Debt for further discussion.
v3.25.4
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Fair Value of Assets Measured on Non-recurring Basis) (Details)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Sponsorship and Advertising [Member] | Cost Investments  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Other Nonrecurring Gain $ 31,800
Sponsorship and Advertising [Member] | Cost Investments | Warrant  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Other Nonrecurring Gain 41,500
Concerts | Equity Method Investments  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Other Nonrecurring Gain 24,400
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Sponsorship and Advertising [Member] | Cost Investments  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates 142,200
Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates, Warrant Fair Value 66,900
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Concerts | Equity Method Investments  
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]  
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates $ 35,900
v3.25.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Leases, Contracts, Capital Expenditures) (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Non-cancelable Contracts [Abstract]  
2026 $ 2,423,299
2027 806,187
2028 292,010
2029 449,493
2030 159,120
Thereafter 346,409
Total 4,476,518
Capital Expenditures [Abstract]  
2026 28,384
2027 14,732
2028 3,676
2029 2,838
2030 2,124
Thereafter 67,338
Total $ 119,092
v3.25.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Business Acquisitions) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Other Current Liabilities [Member]    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Amount accrued in other liabilities, deferred purchase consideration $ 9.4 $ 1.5
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Amount accrued in other liabilities, deferred purchase consideration 6.3 11.8
Earn Out Arrangements [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Amount accrued in other liabilities, contingent consideration 276.1 39.3
Earn Out Arrangements [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]    
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Amount accrued in other liabilities, contingent consideration $ 23.6 $ 9.0
v3.25.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Commitment Obligations) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others [Member]    
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]    
Guaranteed debt of third parties $ 17.0 $ 19.4
v3.25.4
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Litigation) (Details)
Dec. 31, 2025
numberOfClaims
numberOfStates
Aug. 31, 2024
numberOfStates
May 31, 2024
numberOfStates
Department of Justice Complaint      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Number of States | numberOfStates 24 10 29
Antitrust Litigation | CALIFORNIA      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number 3    
Antitrust Litigation | NEW YORK      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number 2    
v3.25.4
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS Transactions Involving Related Parties (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
director
number
shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | shares 166,107
Liberty Live [Investor]  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Number of directors nominated by related party 2
Number of directors on related party's board of directors 1
Number of directors that are a related party's executive officer 1
Atlanta Braves [Member]  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Number of Liberty Media's board member with related party affiliation | number 1
v3.25.4
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS Transactions Involving Equity Method Investees (Details) - Equity Method Investee [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction $ 2.4 $ 18.9 $ 27.9
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party 9.8 5.8 $ 6.3
Due from Related Parties $ 33.2 $ 48.0  
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]      
Current - Federal $ (6,176) $ 39,122 $ 1,250
Current - Foreign 345,460 253,442 229,073
Current - State 21,005 24,308 23,171
Total current 360,289 316,872 253,494
Deferred - Federal 55,229 (557,399) 5,982
Deferred - Foreign (68,207) (126,423) (51,209)
Deferred - State (7,524) (24,748) 1,209
Total deferred (20,502) (708,570) (44,018)
Income tax expense (benefit) 339,787 (391,698) 209,476
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic 145,600 31,800 237,500
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign $ 884,900 $ 707,600 $ 675,800
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]      
Domestic income (loss) before income taxes $ 145,600 $ 31,800 $ 237,500
Foreign income (loss) before income taxes $ 884,900 $ 707,600 $ 675,800
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Deferred tax liabilities    
Intangible and fixed assets $ 396,428 $ 282,200
Leases 233,421 210,904
Mark to market 50,780 49,691
Prepaid expenses 10,023 3,802
Other 9,023 779
Total deferred tax liabilities 699,675 547,376
Deferred tax assets    
Net operating loss carryforwards 851,765 763,205
Leases 277,872 244,476
Accrued expenses 209,327 251,416
Capitalized research and development 107,585 90,477
Interest limitation 73,037 69,128
Foreign tax and other credit carryforwards 59,294 51,153
Other 45,270 61,555
Intangible and fixed assets 16,358 12,411
Equity compensation 14,111 10,831
Total gross deferred tax assets 1,654,619 1,554,652
Valuation allowance 587,285 569,495
Total deferred tax assets 1,067,334 985,157
Deferred Tax Assets, Net $ 367,659 $ 437,781
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Components [Abstract]  
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic $ 254,400
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local 148,700
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign 448,700
Domestic Tax Jurisdiction [Member]  
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]  
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards 40,400
State and Local Jurisdiction  
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]  
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards $ 18,800
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES (Reconciliation of Income Tax from Statutory Rates to Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]      
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount $ 216,411 $ 155,280 $ 187,854
United States statutory income tax rates 21.00% 21.00% 21.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount $ 11,158 [1] $ 27,844 $ 22,889
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent 1.10%    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount   70,469 86,537
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount $ 25,851 [2] 166 784
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Percent 2.50%    
Foreign income inclusion $ 27,656    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Cross-Border Tax Effect, Percent 2.70%    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Cross-Border, Other, Amount [3] $ 61    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Cross-Border, Other, Percent 0.00%    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount $ 2,136 [3] (650,231) (93,450)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent 0.20%    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Executive Compensation, Amount $ 35,771    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Executive Compensation, Percent 0.035    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Minority Interest, Amount [3] $ 9,856    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Minority Interest, Percent (0.010)    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Amount $ (15,061)    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Percent (1.50%)    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Amount $ (7,237) [3] 23,898 25,959
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Percent (0.70%)    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount $ 2,528 [3] 674 6,191
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Percent 0.20%    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Amount $ (14,931)    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Percent (0.013)    
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) $ 339,787 (391,698) 209,476
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent 33.00%    
Income Taxes Reconciliation US Income Inclusions and Exclusions   (10,332) 28,450
Income taxes reconciliation, non U.S. income inclusions and exclusions   (9,466) (63,691)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax From Acquired Goodwill   $ 0 $ 7,953
AUSTRALIA      
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]      
Deferred taxes $ (12,374)    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deferred Taxes, Percent (1.20%)    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount [3] $ 8,070    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent 0.80%    
CANADA      
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]      
Deferred taxes $ 20,892    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deferred Taxes, Percent 2.00%    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount [3] $ 7,244    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent 0.70%    
MEXICO      
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]      
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount [3] $ (352)    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent 0.00%    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Amount $ 25,001    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent 2.40%    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount $ 16,819    
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent 1.60%    
[1] State taxes in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas made up the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect in this category.
[2] All other foreign jurisdictions do not exceed the 5% threshold at the jurisdiction level in total or for individual reconciling items of the same nature within each jurisdiction.
[3] The impact of the individual reconciling item in this period is below the threshold and is not material to the users of the financial statements considering the nature and relative significance of the reconciling item.
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES (Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]      
Balance at January 1 $ 29,692 $ 30,466 $ 22,996
Increase for current year positions 0 1,451 2,333
Increase for prior year positions 1,505 1,001 4,453
Interest and penalties for prior years 1,027 255 1,063
Statute lapse for prior year positions 0 (3) 0
Settlements for prior year positions (878) (3,166) (379)
Increase from foreign exchange (187) (312) 0
Balance at December 31 31,533 $ 29,692 $ 30,466
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate 5,600    
Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Not Impact Effective Tax Rate $ 25,900    
v3.25.4
INCOME TAXES (Cash Paid for Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Income Tax Paid, by Individual Jurisdiction [Line Items]      
Income Tax Paid, State and Local, before Refund Received $ 33,366    
Income Taxes Paid, Net 313,038 $ 253,652 $ 175,148
Income Tax Paid, Federal, after Refund Received 0    
MEXICO      
Income Tax Paid, by Individual Jurisdiction [Line Items]      
Income Tax Paid, Foreign, after Refund Received 102,806    
UNITED KINGDOM      
Income Tax Paid, by Individual Jurisdiction [Line Items]      
Income Tax Paid, Foreign, after Refund Received 24,312    
CANADA      
Income Tax Paid, by Individual Jurisdiction [Line Items]      
Income Tax Paid, Foreign, after Refund Received 22,298    
Other Foreign      
Income Tax Paid, by Individual Jurisdiction [Line Items]      
Income Tax Paid, Foreign, after Refund Received $ 130,256    
v3.25.4
EQUITY (Common Stock) (Details) - shares
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated statement of changes in equity 232,837,623 231,295,639    
Common shares issued as reported in the consolidated balance sheets 235,995,577 234,771,759    
Restricted Stock [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unvested stock awards 1,402,205 1,480,062 1,473,000 996,000
Market Based Stock Award [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unvested stock awards 1,755,749 1,996,058    
v3.25.4
EQUITY (Common Stock Narrative) (Details) - shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Common stock issued in connection with stock incentive plans 1,200,000 1,500,000 1,100,000  
Shares available for future grants (in shares) 11,200,000      
Stock Option [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Stock options currently granted 925,000 1,514,000 2,366,000 3,257,000
Restricted Stock [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unvested stock awards 1,402,205 1,480,062 1,473,000 996,000
Market Based Stock Award [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Unvested stock awards 1,755,749 1,996,058    
v3.25.4
EQUITY (Change in ownership interest) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Abstract]      
Net income attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation $ 495,972 $ 896,287 $ 556,893
Changes in Live Nation’s additional paid-in capital for purchases of noncontrolling interests, net of transaction costs (32,435) (30,049) (100,940)
Net transfers of noncontrolling interests (32,435) (30,049) (100,940)
Change from net income attributable to common stockholders of Live Nation and net transfers of noncontrolling interests $ 463,537 $ 866,238 $ 455,953
v3.25.4
EQUITY (Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) - Put Option [Member]
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
First Redemption Period [Member]  
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]  
Estimate of redemption amounts of put $ 15.1
Second Redemption Period [Member]  
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]  
Estimate of redemption amounts of put 160.6
Third Redemption Period [Member]  
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]  
Estimate of redemption amounts of put 79.8
Fourth Redemption Period [Member]  
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]  
Estimate of redemption amounts of put 47.3
Fifth Redemption Period [Member]  
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]  
Estimate of redemption amounts of put $ 23.4
v3.25.4
EQUITY (Transactions With Noncontrolling and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Partners) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Aug. 14, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]      
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries $ 122,300    
OCESA Acquisition      
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]      
Subsidiary, Ownership Percentage, Parent   24.00%  
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests 749,400    
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]      
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]      
Loans receivable, net $ 50,000   $ 50,000
v3.25.4
EQUITY (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance $ (335,112) $ 27,450 $ (90,076)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications 237,066 (344,201) 134,684
Amount reclassified from AOCI (16,826) (18,361) (17,158)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) 220,240 (362,562) 117,526
Ending balance (114,872) (335,112) 27,450
Accumulated Gain (Loss), Net, Cash Flow Hedge, Parent      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance 21,518 29,350 41,283
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications (820) 10,529 5,225
Amount reclassified from AOCI (16,826) (18,361) (17,158)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) (17,646) (7,832) (11,933)
Ending balance 3,872 21,518 29,350
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]      
Beginning balance (356,630) (1,900) (131,359)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications 237,886 (354,730) 129,459
Amount reclassified from AOCI 0 0 0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) 237,886 (354,730) 129,459
Ending balance $ (118,744) $ (356,630) $ (1,900)
v3.25.4
EQUITY (Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding) (Details) - shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Weighted Average Common Shares Basic and Diluted [Line Items]      
Weighted average common shares—basic 231,844,300 230,124,255 228,628,390
Stock options and restricted stock 0 2,686,001 2,348,936
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities 0 3,542,193 0
Weighted average common shares—diluted 231,844,300 236,352,449 230,977,326
v3.25.4
EQUITY (Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings per Share) (Details) - shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding 25,181,056 16,465,390 15,535,873
Stock Option [Member]      
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding 924,602 0 3,750
Restricted Stock [Member]      
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding 3,086,132 1,518,940 2,527,463
Convertible Debt Securities [Member]      
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]      
Number of anti-dilutive potentially issuable shares excluded from diluted common shares outstanding 21,170,322 14,946,450 13,004,660
v3.25.4
SEGMENTS AND REVENUE RECOGNITION Overview (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Concentration Risk [Line Items]      
NumberOfReportableSegmentsNotDisclosedFlag reportable segments    
Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Entertainment      
Concentration Risk [Line Items]      
Concentration Risk, Percentage 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
v3.25.4
SEGMENTS AND REVENUE RECOGNITION Concerts (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Concerts  
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]  
Percentage Of Concerts Revenue From Events And Festivals 97.00%
v3.25.4
SEGMENTS AND REVENUE RECOGNITION Ticketing Contract Advances (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]      
Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advances $ 88,386 $ 88,717 $ 83,693
Ticketing      
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]      
Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advances 88,400 88,700 $ 83,700
Prepaid Expenses [Member] | Ticketing      
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]      
Ticketing contract advances 298,700 158,100  
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] | Ticketing      
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]      
Ticketing contract advances $ 155,700 $ 128,900  
v3.25.4
SEGMENTS AND REVENUE RECOGNITION Sponsorship Performance Obligation (Details) - Sponsorship and Advertising [Member]
$ in Billions
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Sponsorship Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Revenue related to future benefits to be provided by the company. $ 1.7
Percentage of revenue on contracted agreements to be recognized next year 41.00%
Percentage of revenue on contracted agreements to be recognized in two years 27.00%
Percentage of revenue on contracted agreement to be recognized in three years 15.00%
Percentage of revenue on contracted agreements to be recognized after three years 17.00%
v3.25.4
SEGMENTS AND REVENUE RECOGNITION Segment Results Of Operations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues $ 25,201,406 $ 23,155,625 $ 22,726,317
Other Segment Items 22,835,006 21,009,727 20,845,198
AOI 2,366,400 2,145,898 1,881,119
Capital expenditures 1,086,439 637,631 468,751
Operating Segments [Member] | Concerts [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues $ 20,860,726 $ 19,024,302 $ 18,740,913
Percentage Of Segment Revenue To Total Revenue 82.80% 82.20% 82.50%
Other Segment Items $ 20,173,643 $ 18,494,554 $ 18,420,516
AOI 687,083 529,748 320,397
Capital expenditures 942,053 491,691 346,392
Operating Segments [Member] | Ticketing      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues $ 3,081,166 $ 2,988,685 $ 2,959,477
Percentage Of Segment Revenue To Total Revenue 12.20% 12.90% 13.00%
Other Segment Items $ 1,946,734 $ 1,865,097 $ 1,819,344
AOI 1,134,432 1,123,588 1,140,133
Capital expenditures 92,058 87,925 68,991
Operating Segments [Member] | Sponsorship and Advertising [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues $ 1,329,233 $ 1,195,019 $ 1,095,217
Percentage Of Segment Revenue To Total Revenue 5.30% 5.20% 4.80%
Other Segment Items $ 484,008 $ 431,242 $ 420,080
AOI 845,225 763,777 675,137
Capital expenditures 30,964 24,507 18,250
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues 0 0 0
Other Segment Items 275,607 242,955 214,974
AOI (275,607) (242,955) (214,974)
Capital expenditures 21,364 33,508 35,118
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues (69,719) (52,381) (69,290)
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Concerts [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues 40,736 29,633 17,773
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Ticketing      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues 25,376 22,220 51,517
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Sponsorship and Advertising [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues 3,607 528 0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Other & Eliminations      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues $ (69,719) $ (52,381) $ (69,290)
Percentage Of Segment Revenue To Total Revenue (0.30%) (0.30%) (0.30%)
Other Segment Items $ (44,986) $ (24,121) $ (29,716)
AOI (24,733) (28,260) (39,574)
Capital expenditures 0 0 0
Intersegment Eliminations [Member] | Corporate      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Revenues $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
v3.25.4
SEGMENTS AND REVENUE RECOGNITION Reconciliation of AOI (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Reconciliation of AOI [Line Items]      
AOI $ 2,366,400 $ 2,145,898 $ 1,881,119
Acquisition expenses 259,586 128,513 93,664
Amortization of non-recoupable ticketing contract advances 88,386 88,717 83,693
Depreciation and amortization 638,872 549,923 516,797
Gain on sale of operating assets (18,528) (11,015) (13,927)
Astroworld loss contingencies (8,352) 454,902 0
Stock-based compensation expense 155,219 110,348 115,959
Operating income (loss) $ 1,251,217 $ 824,510 $ 1,084,933
v3.25.4
SEGMENTS AND REVENUE RECOGNITION Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]      
Deferred Revenue, Current $ 4,461,959 $ 3,721,092 $ 3,400,000
Recognition of deferred revenue 3,582,835 3,320,363  
Concerts [Member]      
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]      
Recognition of deferred revenue 3,287,175 3,046,474  
Ticketing      
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]      
Recognition of deferred revenue 205,199 176,901  
Sponsorship and Advertising [Member]      
Deferred Revenue Arrangement [Line Items]      
Recognition of deferred revenue $ 90,461 $ 96,988  
v3.25.4
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Summary of stock-based compensation expense) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Total stock-based compensation expense $ 155,219 $ 110,348 $ 115,959
Total unrecognized compensation cost $ 154,200    
Amortization period of unrecognized compensation cost 2 years 1 month 6 days    
Ticketmaster Plan [Member]      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Expiration period 10 years    
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member]      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Total stock-based compensation expense $ 108,680 50,668 40,751
Corporate expenses [Member]      
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]      
Total stock-based compensation expense $ 46,539 $ 59,680 $ 75,208
v3.25.4
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Stock Options) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures [Abstract]      
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 72,100 $ 60,400 $ 58,300
Proceeds from exercise of stock options $ 5,081 $ 26,052 $ 19,264
Shares available for future grants (in shares) 11,200,000    
Total intrinsic value, options outstanding $ 93,300    
Total intrinsic value, options exercisable $ 93,300    
Stock Option [Member]      
Summary of stock option activity [Roll Forward]      
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares) 1,514,000 2,366,000 3,257,000
Granted (in shares) 0    
Exercised (in shares) (589,000) (851,000) (891,000)
Forfeited or expired (in shares) 0 (1,000) 0
Outstanding at end of period (in shares) 925,000 1,514,000 2,366,000
Exercisable at end of period (in shares) 925,000 1,513,000 2,362,000
Summary of stock option activity, additional disclosures [Abstract]      
Outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share) $ 34.12 $ 32.85 $ 29.78
Exercised (in dollars per share) 22.32 30.57 21.63
Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share) 0 63.29 0
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share) 41.65 34.12 32.85
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share) 41.65 34.09 32.78
Weighted average fair value per option granted (in dollars per share) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures [Abstract]      
Expiration period 10 years    
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]      
Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures [Abstract]      
Shares available for future grants (in shares) 7,100,000    
Minimum [Member] | Stock Option [Member]      
Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures [Abstract]      
Vesting Period 1 year    
Maximum [Member] | Stock Option [Member]      
Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures [Abstract]      
Vesting Period 4 years    
v3.25.4
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Exercise price range) (Details)
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
$ / shares
shares
$20.00 - $24.99 [Member]  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]  
Lower range limit (in dollars per share) $ 20.00
Upper range limit (in dollars per share) $ 24.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares 5
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 4 months 24 days
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 23.43
Exercisable (in shares) | shares 5
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 4 months 24 days
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 23.43
$25.00 - $29.99 [Member]  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]  
Lower range limit (in dollars per share) 25
Upper range limit (in dollars per share) $ 29.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares 453
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 1 year 2 months 12 days
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 29.03
Exercisable (in shares) | shares 453
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 1 year 2 months 12 days
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 29.03
$30.00 - $44.99 [Member]  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]  
Lower range limit (in dollars per share) 30
Upper range limit (in dollars per share) $ 44.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares 110
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 2 years 2 months 12 days
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 44.05
Exercisable (in shares) | shares 110
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 2 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 44.05
$45.00 - $60.99 [Member]  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]  
Lower range limit (in dollars per share) 45
Upper range limit (in dollars per share) $ 60.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares 348
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 3 years 2 months 12 days
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 56.82
Exercisable (in shares) | shares 348
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 3 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 56.82
$61.00 - $89.99 [Member]  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]  
Lower range limit (in dollars per share) 61.00
Upper range limit (in dollars per share) $ 89.99
Outstanding (in shares) | shares 9
Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 4 years 10 months 24 days
Outstanding, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 70.26
Exercisable (in shares) | shares 9
Exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) 4 years 10 months 24 days
Exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) $ 70.26
v3.25.4
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Restricted Stock Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Total fair market value of the shares issued upon vesting $ 82.6 $ 58.1 $ 32.2  
Restricted Stock [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Granted (in shares) 877,000 749,000 841,000  
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number 1,402,205 1,480,062 1,473,000 996,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting Period 1 year      
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting Period 5 years      
Non-Market Based or Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Granted (in shares) 600,000 300,000 400,000  
Non-Market Based or Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Minimum [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting Period 6 months 1 year 2 months  
Non-Market Based or Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Maximum [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting Period 4 years 4 years 4 years  
Restricted Stock Performance Based Awards [Member]        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]        
Vesting Period 2 years 2 years 2 years  
Granted (in shares) 300,000 400,000 400,000  
v3.25.4
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Restricted Stock Awards) (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Summary of restricted stock [Roll Forward]      
Unvested at beginning of period (in shares) 1,480,062 1,473,000 996,000
Granted (in shares) 877,000 749,000 841,000
Forfeited (in shares) (63,000) (32,000) (7,000)
Vested (in shares) (892,000) (710,000) (357,000)
Unvested at end of period (in shares) 1,402,205 1,480,062 1,473,000
Summary of restricted stock awards, additional disclosures [Abstract]      
Unvested at beginning of period (in dollars per share) $ 85.70 $ 78.34 $ 89.22
Granted (in dollars per share) 132,430 96.49 70.51
Forfeited (in dollars per share) 96,610 85.51 92.06
Vested (in dollars per share) 92,500 81.84 89.93
Unvested at end of period (in dollars per share) $ 109.72 $ 85.70 $ 78.34
v3.25.4
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Deferred Stock Award Narrative and Fair Value Assumptions) (Details) - Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments [Member] - shares
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]      
Awarded (in shares) 781 33 289
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum 33.37%    
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum 37.00% 40.57% 39.33%
Weighted average expected life (in years) 4 years 9 months 14 days 4 years 10 months 2 days 5 years 2 months 19 days
Minimum [Member]      
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]      
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate 3.67%    
Maximum [Member]      
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]      
Vesting Period 5 years 5 years 5 years
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate 3.90% 4.17% 4.47%
v3.25.4
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Deferred Stock) (Details) - Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments [Member] - $ / shares
shares in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Summary of Deferred Stock [Roll Forward]      
Unvested at beginning of period (in shares) 1,996 2,449 2,160
Awarded (in shares) 781 33 289
Forfeited (in shares) 0 0 0
Vested (in shares) (1,021) (486) 0
Unvested at end of period (in shares) 1,756 1,996 2,449
Summary of deferred stock awards, additional disclosures [Abstract]      
Unvested at beginning of period (in dollars per share) $ 59.89 $ 61.05 $ 59.79
Awarded (in dollars per share) 99.40 76.61 70.47
Forfeited (in dollars per share) 0 0 0
Vested (in dollars per share) 62.87 66.87 0
Unvested at end of period (in dollars per share) $ 75.74 $ 59.89 $ 61.05
v3.25.4
OTHER INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
The following details the components of "other current assets" [Abstract]    
Notes receivable $ 72,918 $ 32,018
Inventory 56,576 50,145
Restricted cash 12,786 10,685
Other 275,125 107,365
Other current assets 417,405 200,213
The following details the components of "other long-term assets"    
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net 450,957 577,932
Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates 515,636 504,194
Notes receivable 233,113 226,021
Other 485,194 472,819
Other long-term assets 1,684,900 1,780,966
The following details the components of "accrued expenses"    
Accrued event expenses 1,069,576 934,560
Accrued compensation and benefits 619,688 512,531
Accrued insurance 409,629 316,967
Accounts payable 253,261 242,978
Collections on behalf of others 143,610 120,873
Accrued legal 47,535 284,544
Other 1,012,512 887,859
Accrued expenses and accounts payable 3,555,811 3,300,312
The following details the components of "other current liabilities"    
Contingent and deferred purchase consideration 285,479 40,801
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 167,764 153,406
Other 28,818 22,090
Other current liabilities 482,061 216,297
The following details the components of "other long-term liabilities"    
Long-term deferred income taxes 83,298 140,151
Deferred revenue 73,073 120,064
Contingent and deferred purchase consideration 29,909 20,735
Other 229,564 196,813
Other long-term liabilities $ 415,844 $ 477,763
Restricted Cash, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other current assets Other current assets
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration] Other current liabilities Other current liabilities
v3.25.4
GEOGRAPHIC DATA (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
Segment Overview [Line Items]      
Revenues $ 25,201,406 $ 23,155,625 $ 22,726,317
Long-Lived Assets 5,285,524 4,059,905 3,707,852
Europe      
Segment Overview [Line Items]      
Revenues 5,815,492 4,621,210 4,425,854
Long-Lived Assets 1,213,347 825,909 819,426
Total Other Foreign Operations      
Segment Overview [Line Items]      
Revenues 5,056,552 4,160,359 4,085,191
Long-Lived Assets 769,019 348,913 306,725
Total Foreign Operations [Member]      
Segment Overview [Line Items]      
Revenues 10,872,044 8,781,569 8,511,045
Long-Lived Assets 1,982,366 1,174,822 1,126,151
Total Domestic Operations [Member]      
Segment Overview [Line Items]      
Revenues 14,329,362 14,374,056 14,215,272
Long-Lived Assets $ 3,303,158 $ 2,885,083 $ 2,581,701
v3.25.4
SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]      
Valuation allowances and reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at Beginning of Period $ 72,663 $ 82,350 $ 63,294
Charges of Costs, Expenses and Other 16,330 10,430 32,645
Write-off of Accounts Receivable 17,647 22,901 10,771
Other 2,566 2,784 (2,818)
Balance at End of Period 73,912 72,663 82,350
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member]      
Valuation allowances and reserves [Roll Forward]      
Balance at Beginning of Period 569,495 1,194,374 1,240,881
Charges of Costs, Expenses and Other 18,040 (650,231) (93,450)
Write-off of Accounts Receivable 0 0 0
Other [1] (250) 25,352 46,943
Balance at End of Period $ 587,285 $ 569,495 $ 1,194,374
[1] During 2025, 2024 and 2023, the valuation allowance was adjusted for acquisitions, divestitures and foreign currency adjustments.