Event ticket tips to avoid gate issues and delays
These tips will help you avoid hassles, headaches, and being left out the gate at live events.
StubHub will pay ticket buyers $10 million for violating federal regulations regarding unfair and deceptive fees.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced on April 9 that it will pay StubHub, a ticket exchange and resale platform, a $10 million settlement for “deceptively advertising ticket prices on its website without clearly and conspicuously disclosing in advance the amount that consumers would actually pay, including all required fees.” This settlement includes tickets purchased from retailers between May 12 and May 14, 2025.
“We have long supported all-in pricing to provide clarity for our fans,” a statement from StubHub obtained by USA TODAY said. “This settlement covers a limited number of transactions over just three days in May 2025. Some listings on our site may display ticket prices excluding fees. Although we strongly disagree with the FTC’s position on this case, we are addressing the FTC’s concerns by refunding a portion of these buyer fees.”
The FTC’s announcement comes after the FTC sent a warning letter to StubHub on May 14, 2025, revealing that the retailer was displaying inaccurate ticket prices for the 2025 NFL season. In its official complaint, the FTC noted that tickets available for the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys game in November 2025 were originally listed at $236 each when consumers checked ticket prices on the website. However, after selecting the ticket, the consumer learned that the actual cost was $319 due to the $59 handling fee and $24 tax.
The FTC began cracking down on ticket prices for live events after adopting the Unfair or Deceptive Fees Rule (also known as the Junk Fee Rule) on May 12, 2025.
Who is eligible to receive the StubHub settlement?
Consumers who purchased tickets from StubHub between May 12 and May 14, 2025 are eligible for the settlement, according to an FTC news release.
What does a ticket purchaser need to do to receive payment?
StubHub provided additional information to consumers who purchased tickets between May 12 and May 14, 2025, according to a statement from StubHub. Consumers don’t need to do anything.
When will payment be made to ticket buyers?
The FTC’s order was issued on April 9th and requires StubHub to begin issuing settlement letters 90 days later, by July 8th.
Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Story ideas? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
