StubHub to pay $10M to settle FTC allegations over ‘deceptive’ ticket pricing

StubHub has reached a $10 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following allegations that the ticketing platform misled consumers regarding ticket pricing. The FTC accused StubHub of violating the FTC Act and its regulations on deceptive fees by failing to provide clear disclosures of the total ticket prices on its website, including all mandatory fees. In May 2025, the FTC instituted a new rule requiring transparency in ticket pricing throughout the purchasing process. According to the commission’s complaint, StubHub continued to advertise ticket prices without including the full cost after this rule was enacted. FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson expressed disappointment, noting that StubHub, which had previously supported the pricing transparency rule, was allegedly among its first major offenders. The complaint further alleges that StubHub delayed its compliance in part due to the impending release of the NFL's regular-season schedule, a significant event expected to drive high traffic to the site. Executives reportedly believed that the competitive edge gained from misleading consumers was worth the potential risks of enforcement action. Following a warning letter issued by the FTC on May 14, 2025, StubHub rectified the issues the very next day. The $10 million settlement is intended to remedy the company's three days of noncompliance, and the funds will be used to refund consumers for the fees they were charged during that period. A representative from StubHub stated, "We have long supported all-in pricing because it provides clarity for fans. This settlement pertains to a small number of transactions over just three days in May 2025, where some ticket listings may not have included fees. While we disagree with the FTC’s position, we are taking steps to address their concerns by refunding affected buyers." This case is part of the FTC's broader efforts to regulate ticket marketplaces. The agency previously sued Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation for deceptive practices, as well as a Maryland ticket broker accused of bypassing purchasing limits for high-demand events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The companies involved have sought to dismiss these legal challenges.