TL;DR
The Competition and Markets Authority ordered StubHub UK on 23 June 2026 to refund more than 50,000 customers and pay a fine close to 900,000 pounds. The regulator found the ticket resale site added fees during checkout that were not clearly disclosed in headline prices - a practice known as drip pricing.
Last reviewed: 23 June 2026
Key Facts: CMA StubHub Ruling
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What the CMA found
The Competition and Markets Authority ruled on 23 June 2026 that StubHub UK had charged customers fees that were not clearly disclosed at the point of sale. Additional charges were added during the checkout process in a way that breached UK consumer protection law - a practice known as drip pricing.
Drip pricing occurs when a headline price is advertised but additional mandatory charges are only revealed later in the purchase journey, making it impossible for consumers to make a fully informed comparison before committing to buy.
Who is affected
More than 50,000 StubHub UK customers are entitled to refunds. The CMA has ordered StubHub to contact affected customers and process refunds. The fine of close to 900,000 pounds is separate from the consumer redress programme.
How to claim a refund
The CMA has directed StubHub to contact affected customers directly. Consumers who purchased tickets through StubHub UK and believe they were charged undisclosed fees should:
- Check email inboxes for direct contact from StubHub regarding the refund programme
- Visit the CMA website for official guidance on the enforcement action
- File a complaint directly with StubHub citing the CMA ruling of 23 June 2026 if no contact has been received
- Escalate to the CMA or seek Citizens Advice guidance if StubHub does not resolve the complaint
The CMA drip pricing crackdown
The StubHub ruling forms part of a broader CMA programme targeting drip pricing across the UK economy. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 strengthened the CMA powers to issue fines directly without requiring a court order, which is the mechanism applied in this case. The regulator has previously taken action against online retailers, booking platforms and subscription services where mandatory fees were not shown upfront.
What is drip pricing?
Drip pricing is a sales practice where a low headline price is advertised but mandatory additional charges are only revealed progressively during checkout. The practice is prohibited under UK consumer protection law when the fees are mandatory and not clearly disclosed upfront.
What is the CMA?
The Competition and Markets Authority is the UK primary competition and consumer protection regulator. Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, it has powers to issue fines directly without requiring a court order.
Is StubHub still operating in the UK?
StubHub UK continues to operate as a ticket resale marketplace. The CMA ruling requires changes to its pricing practices and refunds to affected customers. It is not a prohibition on the business operating.
What if StubHub does not pay the refund?
If StubHub does not process a refund to which a customer is entitled under the CMA order, the customer can raise a complaint with the CMA, seek guidance from Citizens Advice, or pursue a claim via the county court small claims process.
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