Ticketmaster to Enhance Transparency Following UK Pricing Investigation

Ticketmaster is set to implement significant changes to its ticketing practices in response to a UK investigation into its pricing strategies, particularly following backlash over tickets for the band Oasis. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has mandated that the company must inform customers at least 24 hours in advance if a tiered pricing system is being utilized. This system was notably employed for Oasis tickets, which stirred considerable public discontent.

The CMA’s findings indicated that Ticketmaster may have misled fans with ambiguous pricing structures. According to Jess Kelly, Tech Correspondent for Newstalk, it is crucial to clarify that the CMA did not find evidence of dynamic pricing being applied in real time. Instead, she explained that Ticketmaster used a tiered pricing approach, which categorizes tickets based on factors such as proximity to the stage and whether the ticket holder is seated or standing.

Under the new regulations, Ticketmaster will also be obligated to provide UK customers with clearer information regarding ticket prices during online waiting periods. Kelly noted that the company has voluntarily committed to enhancing transparency about ticket costs and queuing processes. Furthermore, Ticketmaster plans to maintain its capped resale value, robust bot protection, and improve the clarity of their pricing displays.

In the event that another Oasis concert is announced, customers can expect a more straightforward breakdown of ticket prices, including what each ticket entails. Nevertheless, entertainment critic Brian Lloyd raised concerns about the effectiveness of these measures. He argued that if dynamic pricing remains in place, customers and performers alike continue to suffer without any tangible benefit.

Lloyd emphasized that under the dynamic pricing model, artists typically do not receive the additional revenue generated, which primarily benefits Ticketmaster. He believes that the current pricing strategies are detrimental to both fans and performers in the long run.

The changes come as part of a broader effort to improve consumer protection in the ticketing industry. As the demand for live events grows, ensuring fair access and pricing transparency becomes increasingly important for fans. The CMA’s intervention marks a significant step towards holding companies like Ticketmaster accountable and fostering a more equitable ticket purchasing experience.

Fans gathered outside Temple Bar in Dublin on August 16, 2025, as concertgoers made their way to Croke Park for the first of two sold-out concerts. The atmosphere reflects the ongoing enthusiasm for live music, underscoring the need for fair ticketing practices in the industry.