Live Nation Q3 Revenue Rises 19%
Live Nation Entertainment reported a 19% increase in revenue to $10.1 billion in the third quarter of 2026, driven by higher concert attendance and continued growth in international markets.
US-based live entertainment company Live Nation Entertainment reported operating income of $892 million, up 13% year-on-year, while adjusted operating income (AOI) increased 14% to $1.18 billion.
Global concert attendance reached 61 million fans during the quarter, an increase of 19% compared with the same period in 2025. International markets recorded attendance growth of 29%, accounting for 60% of the company`s total audience growth.
Through October, Live Nation had sold approximately 170 million tickets for 2026 shows, 13% more than at the same point last year and already exceeding its total ticket sales for 2025.
Rapino expects another record year
Commenting on the results, Michael Rapino, President and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment, said:
“In a world of endless screens and AI-generated everything, the one thing that can`t be replicated is being there. Artists are taking their music to more fans in more places than ever, and fans are showing up in record numbers. Through October, we`ve sold 170 million tickets, up 13% and already ahead of all of last year. We now expect to welcome nearly 180 million fans in 2026.
This quarter attendance grew 19%, and year-to-date, international markets surpassed the U.S. in both concert attendance and sponsorship revenue — a powerful sign of how global live music has become. We`re investing in more venues around the world, giving artists more stages to build their careers and fans more opportunities to experience the magic of live music. With double-digit adjusted operating income (AOI) growth across all three segments this quarter, we`re on track to deliver another record year and sustain double-digit growth for years to come.”
Concerts and ticketing drive growth
Live Nation`s concerts division generated revenue of $8.7 billion, up 20%, while its Ticketmaster ticketing business reported revenue of $870 million, an increase of 9%.
Ticketmaster processed 98 million fee-bearing tickets during the quarter, up 10%, with international markets accounting for 75% of the increase.
The company`s sponsorship and advertising division reported revenue of $506 million, up 14%, with international operations contributing the majority of the growth.
Continued investment in venues
Live Nation expects its Venue Nation division to host more than 75 million fans during 2026, representing growth of more than 15%.
The company is on track to open or acquire 10 large venues with capacities exceeding 3,000 by the end of the year, as part of its ongoing expansion of its global venue portfolio.
Live Nation has also outlined plans for approximately $1.1 billion in capital expenditure during 2026, with around $800 million allocated to venue development and improvements.
The company expects total concert attendance to approach 180 million fans in 2026, supported by continued demand across North America and international markets.