What's happened
The Competition and Markets Authority has fined StubHub UK nearly £900,000 for drip pricing, ordering refunds to more than 50,000 customers with an average payout of £10 per transaction. The company has admitted the breach and is ending the practice, with Viagogo also under investigation and an update due this summer.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The CMA’s action signals a broader push against hidden fees in online marketplaces, aiming to restore price transparency for consumers.
- This settlement demonstrates how admission of wrongdoing can reduce penalties and speed refunds, potentially deterring similar behavior across the sector.
- The case highlights the importance of upfront pricing in consumer trust and may influence how rival platforms display costs going forward.
- Expect ongoing updates as the CMA completes reviews of Viagogo and other companies; this could lead to further enforcement or policy adjustments.
How we got here
The CMA began investigating online pricing practices after concerns about drip pricing. Between 5 April and 7 December 2025, some customers faced mandatory fees at checkout that were not shown upfront, breaching consumer law. StubHub UK has taken steps to end the conduct and will issue refunds. The CMA is also reviewing other firms as part of a broader crackdown on hidden charges.
Our analysis
The Guardian: quotes CMA statements and refunds; BBC News: details on refunds and drip pricing; Independent: coverage of CMA actions and broader investigations.
Go deeper
- Will more platforms face penalties for drip pricing?
- When will Viagogo’s case be updated by the CMA?
- What changes can consumers expect in checkout pricing across platforms?
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.