When Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), announced new rules for Ticketmaster, fans finally got a glimpse of what "clear, accurate information" looks like in practice. The decision, released on , follows a year‑long probe that began on after the Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour sold more than a million tickets to a frenzy of over ten million hopeful concert‑goers across the United Kingdom. The CMA’s findings forced the ticket giant to pledge clearer communication about tiered pricing and to report compliance for the next two years.
Key Facts
- Investigation period: September 5 2024 – September 25 2025.
- Tickets sold for Oasis tour: >1 million; fans queuing online: >10 million.
- Price discrepancy highlighted: standard standing tickets jumped from £148 to £355.
- Ticketmaster now must give 24‑hour notice of tiered pricing and explain ticket‑type benefits.
- Compliance reports to CMA required annually through September 2027.
Historical context: ticketing turbulence in the UK
The UK ticket market has long been a sticky wicket for fans. Earlier this decade, the rise of bots and secondary‑market markup sparked outrage, prompting the CMA to gain "new consumer law powers" in April 2025. Those powers let the watchdog secure "undertakings"—formal, legally‑binding promises—from firms without having to prove a breach of law first. The Oasis saga became the perfect stress test for those powers.
CMA investigation findings
After combing through server logs, queue screenshots, and consumer complaints, the CMA concluded that Ticketmaster did not employ dynamic pricing algorithms akin to airline or food‑delivery platforms. However, two glaring gaps emerged:
- Fans waiting in long virtual lines were never told that "standing" tickets were being sold at two distinct price points, and that a higher‑priced tier would automatically appear once the cheaper one sold out.
- Some "platinum" tickets were priced at roughly 2.5 times the cost of standard tickets, yet the marketing material offered no clear advantage—no extra seat location, no exclusive merchandise, just a heftier price tag.
One fan, who queued for six hours, described the surprise as "like watching a price tag jump on a roller coaster without a safety bar." The data showed standard standing tickets reaching £355, a near‑doubling of the expected £148 face value.
Ticketmaster’s new commitments
In response, Ticketmaster agreed to a set of undertakings that the CMA now monitors:
- Advance notice: 24 hours before any sale that uses a tiered pricing model, the company must broadcast a clear alert on its website and app.
- Benefit transparency: Each ticket tier will carry a concise bullet list outlining what, if any, extra perks the buyer receives.
- Regular reporting: Quarterly compliance updates to the CMA for the next two years, detailing queue times, price‑tier disclosures, and any consumer complaints.
Ticketmaster’s spokesperson hailed the outcome, saying, "We welcome the CMA's confirmation there was no dynamic pricing, no unfair practices and that we did not breach consumer law. To further improve the customer experience, we've voluntarily committed to clearer communication about ticket prices in queues."
Reactions from stakeholders
Fans’ reactions were mixed. While many appreciated the promise of "clearer info," others warned that enforcement will be the real test. Consumer‑rights group Which? praised the undertakings, calling them "a critical step toward restoring trust." On the other hand, a representative from Oasis management stressed that the band’s North American ticketing partner has already pledged to avoid any algorithmic surge pricing, hoping to dodge a repeat of the UK drama.
Industry analysts noted that Ticketmaster’s move could set a de‑facto standard across Europe. "If the CMA can make a Player as big as Ticketmaster toe the line, other markets will feel the pressure to follow suit," said Emma Larkin, senior analyst at MarketWatch Europe.
Implications for the UK ticketing landscape
The undertakings may ripple beyond concerts. Theatre producers, sports clubs, and festival organizers all rely on Ticketmaster’s platform, meaning the new transparency rules could affect a broad swath of live‑event pricing. Critics argue that merely informing fans won’t solve the deeper issue of supply scarcity—if only a fraction of tickets are released at lower prices, fans will still face steep jumps.
Nevertheless, the CMA signaled it is ready to act if Ticketmaster falls short. "We will not hesitate to take further action against the company," Cardell warned, echoing the watchdog’s newly‑minted enforcement teeth.
What’s next?
Ticketmaster’s first compliance report is due by March 2026. The CMA plans to publish a summary of the findings, allowing the public to see whether the undertakings translate into real‑world improvements. Meanwhile, fans eyeing the next big tour—whether it’s a stadium pop act or a football final—will be watching closely for that 24‑hour notice banner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the new 24‑hour notice affect fans buying tickets?
Fans will see a clear banner on Ticketmaster’s site or app at least a day before a sale that uses multiple price tiers. This means they’ll know ahead of time that cheaper tickets may sell out and higher‑priced tiers will appear, allowing them to plan their budget or decide whether to wait for a later release.
What specific benefits must Ticketmaster disclose for each ticket type?
The company must list any tangible perks—such as better sightlines, exclusive merchandise, or access to pre‑show events—next to each ticket tier. If no extra benefits exist, that must be stated plainly, preventing fans from assuming a higher price automatically means a better experience.
Will other ticket sellers be subject to the same rules?
While the CMA’s current undertaking applies only to Ticketmaster, the watchdog says it will consider extending similar requirements to any firm that sells tickets to large‑scale events in the UK, especially if complaints about opaque pricing rise.
What happens if Ticketmaster fails to meet the compliance deadlines?
The CMA has warned it will take "further action," which could include fines up to £10 million or even legal proceedings to enforce the undertakings. Past cases show the regulator does not shy away from hefty penalties when firms ignore consumer‑protection directives.
How does this case affect Oasis’s future tours?
Oasis’s management has pledged to avoid algorithmic surge pricing for upcoming North American dates, citing the UK controversy. The band hopes the transparency measures will rebuild trust with fans and prevent another backlash, especially as ticket demand remains exceptionally high.