Verdict Opens the Door to Lower Prices, Transparency, and Real Competition

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC — “Today’s verdict confirms what millions of fans already knew: Live Nation and Ticketmaster used their dominance to build and protect an illegal monopoly at the direct expense of consumers,” said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud at the National Consumers League. “For years, concertgoers have been stuck paying inflated prices and excessive fees in a marketplace where competition was pushed aside. This ruling must be a turning point—and policymakers should move quickly to break up this stranglehold and restore real competition, transparency, and fair prices for fans.

The National Consumers League (NCL) welcomes today’s landmark jury verdict finding that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary maintained an anticompetitive monopoly over major concert venues and ticketing.

For years, NCL has warned that Live Nation’s dominance—spanning concert promotion, venue ownership, and ticketing—has distorted the marketplace, limited consumer choice, and driven up prices for fans across the country. Evidence presented at trial showed the company used its market power to deter venues from working with competing ticketing services, reinforcing its grip on the industry and inflating costs.

Today’s verdict is a critical step toward accountability. By affirming that Live Nation’s conduct violated antitrust laws, the jury has opened the door to meaningful remedies that could finally rebalance the live event marketplace.

NCL urges the court and policymakers to pursue strong remedies that restore competition, increase transparency in ticket pricing, and ensure that consumers are no longer subjected to excessive fees and limited choices when purchasing tickets.

Concertgoers deserve a fair, competitive marketplace—not one dominated by a single company with the power to dictate prices and terms across the industry.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

NCL Urges FTC To Revive Click To Cancel In New Proceeding

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC — Yesterday, the National Consumers League (NCL), the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), and the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) submitted comments in response to a renewed Federal Trade Commission (FTC) effort to update its 1973 Negative Option Rule. The three public interest organizations urged the agency to fully address the modern subscription environment, including requiring subscription cancellation to be as easy as signing up, addressing unwanted conversions of free trials into paid subscriptions, and requiring notice consumers before each recurring charge.

“Click to cancel is commonsense policy, plus its extremely popular,” said NCL Senior Public Policy Manager Eden Iscil. “The FTC is doing the right thing in refreshing its outdated Negative Option Rule. Now we need to make sure the FTC doesn’t hold back from using its full authority to protect the public from predatory business practices. At a minimum, updates to the rule should include a click to cancel component.”

In 2024, the FTC had finalized a modernization effort for the antiquated Negative Option Rule, including a “click to cancel” provision requiring cancellation to be as easy as signing up. A panel of federal judges had struck down the updated rule in 2025 on procedural grounds. The Commission’s 2026 initiation of a new regulation on negative option plans provides the agency with an opportunity to revive the Click to Cancel Rule as finalized in 2024, but the FTC has not yet confirmed that it intends to do so.

NCL, CFA, and NCLC were extensively involved in the promulgation of the 2024 Click to Cancel Rule, including filing an amicus brief to support the regulation in the court. The FTC’s 2026 rulemaking effort on negative option plans comes after CFA and the American Economic Liberties Project submitted a formal petition for the FTC to revive the Click to Cancel Rule, which was supported by NCL.

NCL, CFA, and NCLC’s full comments in the proceeding can be found here.

 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

Maine Strengthens Consumer Protections Against Predatory Medical Debt National Consumers League Applauds Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Legislature

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC — The National Consumers League applauds Governor Janet Mills and the Maine legislature for their notable legislation to stem the destructive effects of medical debt collection practices.

“Governor Janet Mills’ action sends a clear and unequivocal message: no patient should be financially punished for getting sick. By prohibiting liens and wage garnishment for medical debt, Maine has established a critical safeguard for working families. But this must be a starting point—not the finish line. We need comprehensive reforms that prevent medical debt before it begins, including stronger charity care policies, greater transparency, and real accountability from the institutions entrusted with patient care,” said Lisa Bercu, J.D., Senior Director of Health Policy, National Consumers League.

At a time when medical debt continues to drive millions of Americans into financial distress, Maine’s decisive action represents a meaningful and necessary advancement in patient protection. By banning some of the most harmful debt collection practices—specifically property liens and wage garnishment—the state has drawn a firm and principled line: access to healthcare should never come at the cost of losing one’s home or livelihood.

For too long, patients—particularly those confronting serious illnesses such as cancer—have been forced to navigate not only complex medical treatments, but also the looming threat of financial devastation. Research from the National Consumers League shows that aggressive medical debt collection practices remain widespread, even among institutions that benefit from the 340B program, which is intended to support vulnerable populations.

While Maine’s leadership is commendable, it also highlights the urgent need for broader, systemic reform. Safeguards against the most egregious collection tactics are essential—but insufficient on their own. Policymakers nationwide must take proactive steps to prevent medical debt from arising in the first place. This includes strengthening hospital financial assistance programs, ensuring patients are clearly informed of available aid, and holding healthcare providers accountable for using resources—such as 340B program savings—to directly benefit patients rather than funnel them into collections.

“Maine’s legislation contributes to the broader conversation of having patient rights grounded in compassion and common sense. Now, we call upon leaders across the country to follow suit and create a healthcare system where financial hardship is no longer an inevitable consequence of receiving medical care,” said Bercu.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

March Madness Frenzy: Consumers Beware—Sports Betting Apps Are Draining Your Credit

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC — As March Madness reaches the Final Four—with billions of dollars on the line and millions of Americans placing high-stakes wagers—the National Consumers League (NCL) is warning that sports betting apps are doing more than fueling the excitement—they may be quietly draining consumers’ savings and damaging their financial health. 

New research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that as sports betting expands, credit card delinquencies rise, credit scores fall, and bankruptcy rates increase—especially among younger and lower-income Americans.  

At the same time, NCL’s 2025 report revealed how aggressively betting apps are pushing users to keep wagering. In a first-of-its-kind analysis, NCL found that 93% of all push notifications sent by the three largest sports betting apps over a four-week period contained advertising content—with many designed to prompt immediate bets. 

“March Madness isn’t just entertainment anymore. Predatory gambling companies are constantly pressuring fans to spend more money when they should be having fun,”said Eden Iscil, NCL Senior Public Policy Manager. “Unlike TV, email, or text message ads, push notifications have no formal regulation, despite being very effective in capturing our attention. Advertising practices that are illegal over email have become normalized in smartphone apps. That’s not acceptable.” 

NCL’s findings reveal how these notifications drive betting behavior: 

  • 62% urged users to place a bet, often using phrases like “bet now.”  
  • 50% promoted bonuses and “no sweat” bets  
  • 28% highlighted betting odds  
  • 15% pushed parlays—high-risk bets with low odds of payout  

Americans are expected to wager more than $3 billion on this year’s NCAA tournament alone.  

To protect consumers during high-intensity betting moments like the Final Four, NCL is urging policymakers to act immediately: restrict sports betting advertising, especially marketing sent via smartphone push notifications. 

NCL’s full report is available here.  

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

NCL, Former FCC Chairs File SCOTUS Brief To Defend Agency From Wireless Carriers 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League, two former chairs of the FCC, and five other public interest organizations filed an amicus brief at the U.S. Supreme Court in FCC v. AT&T. The case was brought after telecom carriers were found liable for privacy violations that harmed their customers. The companies responded by suing to nullify the Commission’s primary fining authority under the Communications Act of 1934.  

“As our personal data has become more insecure than ever, it is critical that we have strong regulators who are equipped to protect us from privacy violations,” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “Congress made it clear that the FCC’s job is to make sure that consumers’ sensitive telecommunications data is protected. The FCC, across bipartisan administrations, faithfully applied these mandates. The Court should ensure that the Commission continues to have every lever at its disposal to ensure America’s telecom carriers follow the law and to hold them accountable when they fail.” 

Democracy Forward Foundation provided pro bono counsel services for NCL in this filing. The full list of signatories to the brief are the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, Consumer Reports, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the National Consumer Law Center, the National Consumers League, Public Knowledge, former FCC Chair Reed Hundt, and former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler.  

You can sign up for NCL’s biweekly #DataInsecurity Digest to receive updates on data privacy news here. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

Sen. Durbin Reintroduces NCL-Endorsed Protect Your Points Act 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Senator Durbin reintroduced the Protect Your Points Act, legislation that would protect consumers’ airline rewards points. Key components include a prohibition on points devaluation without at least one year’s notice, a requirement for the non-expiration of accrued points, a ban on junk fees for the redemption of rewards, and greater transparency into the dollar value of rewards points.   

“Airlines have in many ways become banks that happen to fly planes on the side,” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “If the industry plans to continue with this model, consumers deserve protections around issues like point devaluations, at a minimum. NCL is grateful to Senator Durbin for his leadership and bringing sunlight to this often-opaque industry.”   

Under former Transportation Secretary Buttigieg and former CFPB Director Chopra, NCL successfully advocated for the agencies to take action on consumer’s airline rewards. These actions included a landmark DOT investigation into carriers’ business practices, and a CFPB warning that devaluation of points may violate consumer protection law.  

Recent estimates for the valuations of these programs have exceeded several billion dollars, including $24 billion for American Airlines’ rewards operation and $22 billion for United Airlines. Delta’s SkyMiles program was estimated to be worth $28 billion, more than half of Delta’s total $40 billion valuation at the time. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.   

National Consumers League and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) Statement as States Rest Their Case in Landmark Antitrust Battle Against Live Nation

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Washington, DC – Today marks a significant milestone in the State’s Attorney General’s antitrust case against Live Nation Entertainment, the parent company of Ticketmaster, LLC, as more than 30 state plaintiffs conclude the presentation of their case to the jury.

“State attorneys general have built a strong, compelling case—and there is no justification for settling. They should see the case through, put the facts before a jury, and let justice run its course,” said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud at the National Consumers League. “Consumers have waited long enough; they deserve nothing less than a decisive outcome that breaks up this monopoly and restores real competition to the marketplace.”  Breyault has been a leading consumer advocate and spokesperson on this case since its inception in 2024.

The lawsuit, originally filed in 2024 alongside the U.S. Department of Justice, alleges that Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., the parent of Ticketmaster, abused its market dominance through excessive fees, restrictive venue agreements, and coercive practices that have harmed consumers, artists, and venues across the country. After the Department of Justice reached a settlement, most of the states chose to move forward, rejecting the deal in favor of pursuing a full and fair resolution in court. With the states now resting their case, the trial moves into its next phase as Live Nation prepares to present its defense.

This moment also underscores the growing concern among federal lawmakers about competition in the live entertainment marketplace. Members of Congress have long raised alarms about Live Nation’s market power and its impact on consumers, artists, and venues. Their perspectives highlight the national significance of this case and the urgency of delivering real relief to consumers.

“The Justice Department’s decision to strike a deal with Live Nation-Ticketmaster, rather than take the case to trial, is a slap in the face to American concertgoers who are increasingly being priced out of seeing their favorite artists,” said Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). “The Trump Administration had the opportunity to confront this monopoly but choose the side of corporate powers instead. At a time when families are already struggling in Trump’s disastrous economy, this agreement falls short of delivering the accountability the public deserves. I commend the bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general from across the country, including my home state of New Jersey, who have rejected this deal and chosen to press forward in addressing anticompetitive behavior that harms fans, artists, and venues alike. Attending concerts and live events with friends and family should not be a luxury reserved for the wealthiest Americans. I urge attorneys general in every state to stand firm as Live Nation begins their defense and enforce the nation’s antitrust laws this administration increasingly seems to abandon.”

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL, 55 Organizations Urge Lawmakers to Pass the Safety Is Not For Sale Act

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) and 55 of the nation’s most prominent automobile safety and consumer protection organizations sent a letter to leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in support of the Safety is Not For Sale Act. The legislation requires that optional automobile safety systems be made available as part of the base trim or be disclosed and offered for sale separately from non-safety-related equipment.

“Regrettably, many lifesaving safety features are solely available on luxury trims or sold as part of expensive add-on packages with non-safety-related features, such as sophisticated infotainment systems, advanced sound systems, and lavish seats,” the letter states. “As such, consumers may be forced to purchase expensive luxury features they do not want or need in order to equip their vehicle with the safety features of their choosing. These practices make vital safety technologies less affordable and accessible, as consumers frequently must pay thousands of dollars more for luxury trims and optional packages. The Safety is Not For Sale Act is vital to ensuring that consumers have more affordable access to lifesaving automobile safety features.”

In February, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade reported the Safety is Not For Sale Act to the Energy and Commerce Committee.

A copy of the letter can be found HERE.

Letter cosigners:

National Consumers League

Access Ready Inc.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety

America Walks

Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota

Bike Cleveland

Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire

BikeLA

BikeWalkNC

BioInjury LLC

California Bicycle Coalition

Center for Auto Safety

Consumer Federation of America

Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety

Consumer Reports

Detroit Greenways Coalition

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

Earth Ethics, Inc.

Families for Safe Streets National

Homestretch Nonprofit Housing Corp.

Impact Teen Drivers

Jacob Bikes

Just Strategy

Kids and Car Safety

League of American Bicyclists

Living Streets Alliance

Local Motion, Inc.

Marin County Bicycle Coalition

Move Redmond

Napa County Bicycle Coalition

National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Association

National Center for Health Research

National Coalition for Safer Roads

National Safety Council

New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition

Oregon Consumer Justice

Oregon Consumer League

Parents for Window Blind Safety

Pennsylvania Downtown Center

Ready Set Bike

Reese’s Purpose

Ride Illinois

Safe Infant Sleep

Safe Kids Worldwide

Safety Research & Strategies

Science Corps

Spark Access

Stopdistractions.org

The Wisconsin Bike Fed

ThinkFirst Foundation

Truck Safety Coalition

US Swim School Association

Vision 20/20 Project

Vision Zero Network

Washington Area Bicyclist Association

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

Fuel Economy Features Save Car Owners Over $9,000 a Year Says National Consumers League 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) today sent a letter to the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee in advance of the hearing on S. 3135, the Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act.  The legislation would grant the Environmental Protection Agency the authority to permit vehicle manufacturers to suspend engine shutdown features on diesel vehicles in extreme cold. 

“As families across the country reel from the ongoing affordability crisis, we encourage lawmakers to consider the substantial effect fuel economy features have on alleviating household budgetary pressure, as detailed in our report titled Sticker Shock,” wrote Daniel Greene, the Senior Director of Consumer Protection & Product Safety at NCL. “Compliance with federal fuel economy and safety standards accounts for a small fraction of vehicle expenditures, but it generates thousands of dollars in benefits per household and trillions of dollars in societal benefits.” 

The letter notes that equipment upgrades—which include changes in fuel economy, comfort, convenience, durability, nonmandatory safety improvements, and safety standards that first require compliance after 2019—account for only $3,040.20, or 13 percent, of the increase in average expenditures per new passenger vehicle since 2002.  Adoption of these fuel economy features has dramatically improved the efficiency of the fleet.  Between 2002 and 2024, the real-world miles per gallon (mpg) of new cars rose from 22.8 mpg to 36.6 mpg, a 60.5 percent improvement. Over the same period, the real-world mpg of light trucks increased from 16.5 mpg to 24.6 mpg, a 49.3 percent increase. 

“Because of fuel-economy improvements, owners of model year 2024 cars save, on average, $9,099.75 in avoided gasoline expenditures,” the letter continues. “Owners of model year 2024 light trucks save, on average, $9,920.23 in avoided gasoline expenditures.” 

A copy of the letter can be found HERE. 

In February, NCL released a report on vehicle affordability, finding that federal safety and fuel economy standards save consumers thousands while having a marginal effect on affordability. The full report is available here: Sticker Shock: Uncovering the Real Drivers of Rising Vehicle Prices. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

National Consumers League Applauds Progress on Responsible GLP-1 Marketing  

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – As an organization focused on the safety of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, the National Consumers League welcomes the agreement between Novo Nordisk and the telehealth platform Hims & Hers as an important step that could turn the tide away from consumers opting for unapproved GLP-1 weight-loss products. 

By allowing Hims & Hers to sell Novo Nordisk’s injectable semaglutide drugs and the new pill form at the self-pay prices offered on other telehealth platforms, the agreement will give more consumers access to FDA-approved GLP-1 medicines whose safety is established by large clinical trials. Under the agreement, Hims will also offer to transition patients now taking a compounded GLP-1 to an FDA-approved alternative in consultation with a health professional. 

But what NCL views as especially noteworthy is that Hims & Hers will stop advertising compounded GLP-1s as safe alternatives to the FDA-approved medicines. As one of the largest advertisers of compounded GLP-1 weight-loss products, including glitzy ads during the 2025 and 2026 Super Bowls, Hims & Hers has played an outsized role in promoting compounded versions through tactics that violate the Federal Trade Commission’s prohibition on false and deceptive advertising. NCL has repeatedly called out the company for deceptive advertising practices, such as unsubstantiated claims and the omission of information on side effects and risks, which mislead consumers into believing that untested, unapproved compounded GLP-1s are essentially the same in safety and efficacy as FDA-approved medicines. 

“This could be the breakthrough that consumer advocates and patient safety organizations have hoped for. Not only will more consumers have affordable access to FDA-approved GLP-1 weight loss products, but there is the potential to blunt the impact of the voluminous, misleading television and online advertising that only promotes the benefits of compounded GLP-1s without disclosing the risks. It is a win-win that will lead to better obesity care while reducing the harm when consumers opt for unapproved drugs, and some pay the price with serious health problems,” said NCL’s Director of Food and Nutrition Policy, Nancy Glick.” 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.