StubHub Hit with $10M FTC Settlement Over Ticket Pricing

The ticket marketplace has agreed to pay $10 million to settle Federal Trade Commission allegations that it failed to clearly disclose the full price of tickets.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a proposed settlement with StubHub, requiring the ticket marketplace to pay $10 million to settle allegations that it deceptively advertised ticket prices without clearly disclosing the full cost.

According to the FTC, StubHub violated the FTC Act and its Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees by not clearly disclosing upfront what the total cost would be, including all mandatory fees. The agency's complaint alleges that after the rule went into effect in May 2025, StubHub continued to advertise its ticket prices without disclosing the full price.

The case marks the FTC's latest crackdown on ticket marketplaces. Last September, the agency sued Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, for engaging in illegal ticket resale tactics and deceiving consumers about price and ticket limits. The companies have asked a federal judge to throw out the case.

In response to the settlement, a StubHub spokesperson stated that the company has long supported all-in pricing because it provides clarity for fans. However, the spokesperson acknowledged that the company had made an error and would be refunding a portion of the fees paid by consumers.

Background on the FTC's Crackdown on Ticket Marketplaces

The FTC has been taking a closer look at ticket marketplaces in recent months. In May 2025, the agency began requiring ticket marketplaces to ensure price transparency at all stages of the ticket-purchase process.

However, it appears that StubHub was one of the first major violators of this rule. According to the FTC's complaint, the company chose to slow-walk compliance with the rule in part because the NFL was about to release its regular-season schedule, which is a major traffic event for the company.

What This Means for Consumers

The $10 million settlement secured by the FTC will cover StubHub's three days of noncompliance with the rule and will be used to return "ill-gotten" profits to consumers through refunds of the fees paid to StubHub.

This settlement marks a significant step forward in the FTC's efforts to promote price transparency in the ticket marketplace. As the agency continues to crack down on violators, consumers can expect to see greater clarity and transparency in the ticket-buying process.

Key Takeaways

• StubHub has agreed to pay $10 million to settle FTC allegations that it deceptively advertised ticket prices without clearly disclosing the full cost.
• The agency's complaint alleges that after the rule went into effect in May 2025, StubHub continued to advertise its ticket prices without disclosing the full price.
• The settlement marks the FTC's latest crackdown on ticket marketplaces and highlights the importance of price transparency in the ticket-buying process.
• The $10 million secured by the FTC will be used to return "ill-gotten" profits to consumers through refunds of the fees paid to StubHub.