StubHub has reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), agreeing to pay $10 million due to allegations of misleading ticket pricing practices. The FTC accused the ticket marketplace of violating the FTC Act by failing to transparently display ticket prices, excluding mandatory fees from the advertised amounts. This enforcement action is part of a broader regulatory push for price transparency in the ticketing industry, initiated by the FTC in May 2025.
After the new rule requiring clear disclosure of total ticket costs went into effect, StubHub continued to market tickets with incomplete pricing information. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson expressed disappointment that StubHub, familiar with the rule’s requirements, reportedly chose to delay compliance to capitalise on the NFL’s regular-season schedule release, a significant event for ticket sales.
The FTC flagged StubHub’s practices in a warning letter in May 2025, and the company rectified the issue the following day. The $10 million settlement reflects only three days of noncompliance, during which some ticket listings displayed prices without including the associated fees. StubHub maintains that while it disagrees with the FTC’s assessment, it is addressing the concerns by issuing refunds to affected customers, consistent with its commitment to clear pricing.
This enforcement action against StubHub is part of the FTC’s intensified scrutiny of ticketing platforms. Previous actions include a lawsuit against Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, for allegedly engaging in deceptive practices regarding ticket prices and limits. In another case, the FTC targeted a Maryland ticket broker for using illegal means to bypass purchase restrictions for high-demand events and reselling tickets at inflated prices. This regulatory focus highlights the FTC’s commitment to protecting consumers in the live entertainment industry.
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