What's happened
The CMA has ordered StubHub UK to refund more than 50,000 fans after findings that the platform used drip pricing, failing to show the full price at checkout. The average refund is 0.33 per transaction, and StubHub faces a fine reduction for admitting the breach. The CMA is investigating Viagogo and other firms in the sector.
What's behind the headline?
What this means for consumers
- Refunds cover 51,350 fans with an average payout of 010.33.
- The ruling clarifies that upfront pricing must include all mandatory charges.
- The CMA has signalled ongoing scrutiny of the sector, with Viagogo and others under watch.
Industry implications
- Ticket marketplaces are under pressure to overhaul checkout processes to ensure price transparency.
- The ruling could prompt broader reform across online sales of gigs and sports events.
How we got here
Regulators have been scrutinising online pricing practices across the ticketing market since last year, with StubHub alongside Viagogo targeted. The CMA’s action follows earlier penalties against other platforms and precedes potential further announcements this summer.
Our analysis
The Guardian: Emma Cochrane quotes confirm the CMA’s stance; Independent reports detail the fine and refunds; CMA press release outlines the broader probe into eight companies.
Go deeper
- Will more platforms now adopt transparent pricing?
- When will Viagogo be updated on the regulator’s findings?
- What changes can fans expect during checkout in future?
More on these topics
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StubHub - Ticket resale company
StubHub is an American ticket exchange and resale company. It provides services for buyers and sellers of tickets for sports, concerts, theater and other live entertainment events.
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Viagogo - Company
Viagogo is a London-based ticket exchange and ticket resale company. It was founded in 2006 by Eric Baker, the co-founder of StubHub.
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Competition and Markets Authority - Government department
The Competition and Markets Authority is a non-ministerial government department in the United Kingdom, responsible for strengthening business competition and preventing and reducing anti-competitive activities.