Ticketmaster Under Fire: Lawsuits, FTC Probes and Junk Fee Crackdown Rock Ticketing Giant

Ticketmaster, the dominant player in live event ticketing, is facing mounting legal challenges over its service fees, resale practices, and user surveillance, drawing scrutiny from regulators and consumers alike.

In a recent development, a Quebec court has ruled that Ticketmaster's service fees may be unreasonable, paving the way for a class action lawsuit against the company. This decision highlights ongoing concerns about excessive fees charged to fans purchasing tickets for concerts and events.[1]

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster, alleging illegal ticket resale tactics and deception of artists and consumers. The FTC claims Ticketmaster publicly opposes brokers who exceed ticket limits but privately benefits from their activities, allowing them to bypass security measures using thousands of accounts and proxy IPs. Ticketmaster reportedly profits from fees on these resold tickets and even provides tools like TradeDesk to help brokers manage purchases.[2]

Further allegations include deceptive pricing practices, where Ticketmaster advertises lower prices but adds fees later, despite internal knowledge that transparent upfront pricing reduces sales. The FTC seeks civil penalties, citing violations of the FTC Act and the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. A bipartisan group of state attorneys general joined the suit, noting Ticketmaster's control over 80% of major U.S. concert venues' primary ticketing, with consumers spending over $82.6 billion on tickets from 2019 to 2024.[3]

Adding to the pressure, Ticketmaster faces a class action lawsuit accusing it of illegal tracking and surveillance on its website, amid broader concerns about user privacy.[6]

In response to the Biden administration's ban on 'junk fees,' Ticketmaster has begun displaying full ticket prices upfront, a shift aimed at transparency following criticism sparked by high-profile issues like the 2022 Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket meltdown.[5]

These developments come as Ticketmaster continues to sell tickets for major events, such as Lady Gaga's concert at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on January 14, 2026, underscoring its enduring market presence despite the controversies.[4]