The UK Competition and Markets Authority is investigating Ticketmaster over concerns related to the upcoming Oasis reunion tour. This investigation adds to the existing challenges faced by Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, including an antitrust lawsuit in the United States. The investigation will focus on whether customers were informed about dynamic pricing, where prices fluctuate based on demand, and whether they were pressured to buy tickets quickly at a higher price than expected. The CMA emphasized the importance of transparency and accurate pricing information for ticket sales sites to comply with consumer protection and competition laws.
Depending on the evidence, the CMA may decide to close the investigation, seek undertakings from Ticketmaster to address concerns, or take legal action against the company. Ticketmaster is currently cooperating with the CMA in the investigation. Fans have expressed frustration over the ticket-buying experience for the Oasis tour, with complaints of inflated prices, long wait times, and error messages on Ticketmaster’s website. CMA CEO Sarah Cardell emphasized the importance of treating fans fairly and ensuring transparency in ticket pricing to prevent undesirable experiences for customers.
Ticketmaster has stated that they do not set ticket prices, as they are determined by promoters and artists based on demand. This process has historically led to criticism and scrutiny, such as during the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in 2022. Ticketmaster faced backlash for mishandling ticket sales and causing confusion among fans. In another incident related to the celebration of King Charles’ ascension to the British throne, Ticketmaster was embroiled in controversy over ticket sales for a concert. The company’s involvement in these incidents has further fueled concerns about transparency and fairness in ticket sales.
The CMA’s investigation will focus on whether Ticketmaster’s practices comply with consumer protection and competition laws, particularly regarding dynamic pricing and pressure on customers to purchase tickets quickly at higher prices. Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, is already facing challenges in the form of an antitrust lawsuit in the United States, which could potentially lead to the breakup of the firm. The CMA has emphasized the need for ticket sales sites to be transparent and provide clear and accurate pricing information to consumers. While Ticketmaster is currently cooperating with the investigation, potential outcomes could include closing the investigation, seeking undertakings from Ticketmaster, or taking legal action against the company.
Fans have expressed frustration over the ticket-buying experience for the upcoming Oasis reunion tour, citing inflated prices, long wait times, and technical issues on Ticketmaster’s website. CMA CEO Sarah Cardell has highlighted the importance of treating customers fairly and ensuring transparency in ticket pricing to avoid surprises at checkout. Ticketmaster has clarified that they do not set ticket prices, as they are established by promoters and artists based on demand. However, this process has faced criticism in the past, including during the Taylor Swift Eras Tour and a concert related to King Charles’ ascension to the British throne. These incidents have raised concerns about transparency and fairness in ticket sales and added to the challenges faced by Ticketmaster and Live Nation.
