The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Thursday (25) that Ticketmaster must adopt measures for greater clarity in ticket sales. The decision follows a year-long investigation into the sale of tickets for Oasis’s reunion tour in the UK. Fans reported unexpected price increases during online queues, sparking widespread complaints.
Initial tickets for the shows were announced at £148.50. However, upon reaching the front of virtual queues after long waits, some buyers faced prices exceeding £350. The CMA identified the use of tiered pricing, with no evidence of real-time algorithmic adjustments.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy praised the agreed changes. They aim to protect consumers at high-demand events, such as the tour reuniting the Gallagher brothers after 16 years.
Tiered pricing explained
Ticketmaster applied a tiered pricing system for Oasis ticket sales. Similar tickets were offered at different price points, without additional benefits for the more expensive ones.
This practice occurred across 41 tour dates, with over 900,000 tickets sold. The CMA found fans were not given prior warnings about the price variations.
Now, the company must inform fans 24 hours in advance if a tiered pricing system is in use. During queues, price ranges will be displayed and updated as tickets sell out.
Platinum tickets under scrutiny
The labeling of platinum tickets caused confusion among buyers. These tickets cost up to 2.5 times more than standard ones, without added benefits like better seating.
Many platinum seats were in the same areas as standard ones. The CMA deemed the descriptions misleading, as they suggested superior quality that did not exist.
Ticketmaster will eliminate such labels in the UK. Periodic reports to the CMA will monitor compliance over two years.
Fans waited hours in queues that recorded 14 million attempts. The lack of clarity led to rushed decisions under pressure.
Transparency measures adopted
The CMA required Ticketmaster to provide precise details about what each ticket offers. This includes clear descriptions of benefits and associated prices.
During active sales, real-time updates on availability will be mandatory. The company committed voluntarily, without admitting wrongdoing.
The consumer rights group Which? demanded refunds for affected fans. However, the CMA focused on future protections, under a new fines regime of up to 10% of revenue.
Reactions from authorities and company
Sarah Cardell, CMA’s chief executive, emphasized the need for upfront information for fans. The agency warned of enforcement actions if commitments are not met.
Ticketmaster welcomed the CMA’s confirmation of no dynamic pricing. It implemented protections against bots and limits on resales as additional measures.
- Display price ranges in online queues;
- Describe actual benefits of each ticket category;
- Update availability during sales;
- Report progress to CMA quarterly.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the price hikes depressing in July. European parliamentarians support rules against similar practices.
Tour history and complaints
The Live ’25 tour began in July in Cardiff. Final shows take place at Wembley Stadium this weekend, after dates in Ireland and other UK venues.
Complaints arose shortly after the 2024 announcement. Fans accused Ticketmaster of exploiting demand, with queues crashing the website.
Oasis denied prior agreement with dynamic pricing. Liam Gallagher publicly criticized the practices on social media.
Similar investigations occurred in the US with Taylor Swift. In Brazil, Oasis shows in November use local platforms, but fans monitor the case.
The CMA launched the probe in September 2024, under old laws. The new 2025 act strengthens regulatory powers, applicable prospectively.
Expectations for future sales
Rumors suggest shows in Knebworth in 2026, marking 30 years since an iconic concert. The changes will test the effectiveness of the reforms.
Ticketmaster plans clear displays of total prices. This includes fees and payment options, reducing surprises at checkout.
Ticketing security experts see partial progress. They advocate for global limits on secondary resales for market balance.
