CMA Threatens Ticketmaster with Legal Action Over Oasis Ticket Sales

In a significant development just days before the highly anticipated reunion tour of Oasis, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a formal threat of legal action against Ticketmaster. This comes after concerns were raised that the ticketing giant may have misled fans during the sales process for over 900,000 tickets, some of which were sold at prices exceeding £350 for tickets originally valued at £150. The CMA's scrutiny of Ticketmaster's practices began in March 2025, when it published its preliminary findings indicating potential violations of consumer protection laws.

The CMA’s investigation focuses on Ticketmaster's pricing strategies, particularly the controversial categorization of seats as 'platinum'. According to the CMA, these seats were sold for nearly 2.5 times the price of standard tickets without adequate disclosure regarding their lack of additional benefits. Furthermore, the regulator expressed concern that consumers were not informed about the existence of two distinct categories of standing tickets, leading many fans to unknowingly pay much higher prices than they anticipated.

In a letter sent to Ticketmaster, the CMA stated, "Having carefully considered Ticketmaster’s response, the CMA’s view is that there is a fundamental disagreement about whether Ticketmaster’s practices infringed consumer law." This statement highlights the ongoing conflict between the CMA and Ticketmaster regarding the legality and ethics of the company's ticket pricing practices.

In response to the CMA's initial concerns, Ticketmaster claimed to have implemented changes to some aspects of its ticket sales process. However, the CMA deemed these modifications insufficient to mitigate the concerns raised. The regulator noted that it had not found evidence to suggest Ticketmaster employed an algorithmic 'dynamic' pricing model during the Oasis ticket sales; nevertheless, it criticized the company for failing to provide clear and timely information regarding the pricing structure for standing tickets.

The CMA's letter indicates that the consultation process with Ticketmaster has failed, prompting the authority to prepare for potential legal action. "The CMA will, in parallel, continue to engage with Ticketmaster in an effort to secure a voluntary resolution, should it indicate a clear and timely commitment to do so," the letter concludes.

The impending Oasis tour marks a historic moment as it reunites brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher after years of public disputes. The excitement surrounding the tour has heightened the stakes of this investigation, with many fans eager to attend what is projected to be one of the most lucrative concert series in British history. As the tour kicks off on Friday in Cardiff, the outcome of the CMA's actions remains to be seen, with potential implications for consumer rights within the ticketing industry.

Industry experts have weighed in on the situation, noting the implications of the CMA's actions for ticket sales practices in the UK and beyond. Dr. Emily Thompson, a lecturer in consumer law at the University of Bristol, commented, "The CMA's intervention underscores the need for transparency in ticket pricing, especially for high-demand events like those of Oasis. Fans deserve clear information to make informed purchasing decisions."

The ticketing industry has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years regarding pricing practices and consumer protection. This case may set important precedents for how ticket sales are conducted in the future. As the CMA prepares for potential litigation, it remains committed to ensuring that consumer laws are upheld and that fans are not misled in their purchasing experiences.