Following widespread public outrage over exorbitant pricing practices, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a full investigation into Ticketmaster‘s handling of Oasis’s 2025 reunion tour ticket sales. The probe came after fans reported standing tickets, initially expected to cost between £135-£150, were suddenly priced at £355 when they reached the front of digital queues.
More than 900,000 tickets were sold for the highly anticipated reunion, but pricing transparency was severely lacking throughout the process. Fans expressed frustration over multiple pricing tiers that weren’t clearly explained before or during the sales event, leaving many shocked when they discovered the actual costs after hours of waiting online. Dublin Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty was among several public figures who called for formal investigations into Ticketmaster’s pricing practices.
MP David Baines publicly condemned Ticketmaster for “fleecing” fans through dynamic pricing mechanisms that dramatically increased costs with no apparent justification. The controversial “Platinum” tickets, sold at nearly 2.5 times the price of standard tickets, offered no additional benefits that were adequately explained to consumers, additionally fueling accusations of unfair practices. Many artists and promoters now emphasize the importance of clear goals when selling tickets to ensure fans understand pricing structures from the outset.
The CMA determined that Ticketmaster may have breached consumer protection laws related to pricing transparency, subsequently warning the ticketing giant of potential legal action after initial discussions failed to produce satisfactory changes to their practices. The CMA is now preparing for litigation while remaining open to a voluntary resolution with the company.
Ticketmaster faces legal action after failing to address pricing transparency concerns identified by regulators.
Following intense regulatory pressure, Ticketmaster has now committed to substantial reforms in its sales approach. The company must provide fans with at least 24 hours’ notice before sales about the use of tiered pricing and its implications.
Additionally, information on ticket price ranges will be made available to customers once they enter online queues. The new commitments also require Ticketmaster to reveal when cheaper tickets sell out and when prices will increase during queue waiting times.
In addition, the company must avoid misleading ticket labels that imply superiority without justification. The incident highlights why many artists are now exploring sync deals as alternative revenue streams, reducing their dependence on tour income that can be affected by controversial ticketing practices. These changes represent a significant victory for consumer advocates who have long criticized the ticketing industry’s opaque pricing strategies, which have frequently left music fans feeling exploited and priced out of attending concerts by their favorite artists.
