StubHub and Ticketmaster dominate the event ticketing landscape. They are the top places for sports, concerts, and entertainment fans. These platforms offer many services and features for buying and selling tickets.
But, which one is better? Let’s look at what makes StubHub and Ticketmaster different.
Evolution of Digital Ticket Sales Platforms
The world of live entertainment ticketing has changed a lot. Digital ticket sales platforms have made buying tickets easier. They have also changed how we buy tickets for live shows.
The Rise of Online Ticketing Services
Online ticketing started in the 1990s. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen bought 80% of Ticketmaster for $300 million in 1993. This move helped online ticketing become popular, making it easy to buy tickets online.
Market Size and Industry Growth
The ticket marketplaces and online ticket brokers have grown a lot. Companies like Ticketmaster, StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats are worth a lot. The U.S. market for online event tickets is about $9 billion and is growing fast.
Current Market Valuations
The industry is growing fast, leading to big investments. Live Nation, Ticketmaster’s parent, is worth $22.7 billion. StubHub might go public for $16.5 billion. SeatGeek almost went public for $1.4 billion, and Vivid Seats is worth $1.1 billion. This shows how much money and growth potential there is in live entertainment ticketing.
| Company | Valuation |
|---|---|
| Live Nation | $22.7 billion |
| StubHub | $16.5 billion (potential IPO) |
| SeatGeek | $1.4 billion (nearly went public) |
| Vivid Seats | $1.1 billion |
Stubhub Vs Ticketmaster: Primary Features and Services
StubHub and Ticketmaster are big names in selling event tickets. They both offer a wide range of tickets for sports, concerts, and theater. But, each has its own special features and services for buyers and sellers.
Both sites have lots of tickets for different events. Ticketmaster even has special sections for certain events. They both have tickets for sale directly and from fans to fans.
Ticketmaster has a big edge with exclusive deals with many NFL teams. StubHub focuses more on the secondary market. Both have mobile apps for iOS and Android, making it easy to buy tickets and get event updates.
| Feature | StubHub | Ticketmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Selection | Wide range of sports, concerts, theater, and other event tickets | Wide range of sports, concerts, theater, and other event tickets, with specialized and temporary event-specific categories |
| Exclusive Partnerships | Focus on secondary market, fewer exclusive partnerships | Exclusive contracts with most NFL teams and other major sports organizations |
| Mobile Apps | Available on iOS and Android | Available on iOS and Android |
| Fees | 10% for buyers, 15% for sellers | Fees range around 15% |
Both StubHub and Ticketmaster make buying tickets safe and reliable. They have strict rules for ticket scanning and refunds. It’s a good idea to watch ticket prices and look for deals.
Ticket Selection and Event Coverage
Ticketmaster and StubHub are big names in event ticketing. They cover a wide range of sports events, concerts, and theater shows. Ticketmaster works closely with most NFL teams. Meanwhile, StubHub focuses on selling tickets that are already sold out.
Sports and Concert Availability
Both platforms have tickets for popular and lesser-known events. Ticketmaster’s deal with Live Nation has grown its event list. This might give it an edge over StubHub.
Exclusive Partnerships and Deals
Ticketmaster has special deals with big sports leagues and teams, like the NFL. This makes it a top choice for live entertainment ticketing. StubHub, however, is known for its secondary ticket sales. It’s a go-to for fans looking for other options.
Geographic Coverage
Both event ticketing platforms offer tickets for events in many cities and countries. This means customers in the U.S. and worldwide have a wide choice. It meets the varied tastes and needs of ticket marketplaces fans.
Price Structures and Service Fees
Buying tickets comes with fees from both StubHub and Ticketmaster. StubHub charges a 10% fee to buyers and 15% to sellers. Ticketmaster’s fees are more complex, with an average total fee of about 15% per transaction.
A 2018 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that fees can be high. They usually amount to around 30% of a ticket’s face value. This range can be from 13% to 58%, depending on the ticket price and event date.
Some ticketing platforms now offer “all-in pricing” to make costs clear. This means you see the total cost, including all fees, upfront. The U.S. House of Representatives also passed the TICKET Act. It aims to require full price disclosure and ban deceptive reselling practices.
Common Doubts
What are the key differences between Stubhub and Ticketmaster?
Stubhub and Ticketmaster are top sites for buying tickets online. Ticketmaster is owned by Live Nation Entertainment, a huge company. Stubhub is privately owned and has been valued at $16.5 billion. Both sell tickets directly and through secondary markets, but their fees and business models differ.
How did the online ticketing industry evolve?
Online ticketing started in the 1990s. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen bought 80% of Ticketmaster in 1993. Today, Ticketmaster, Stubhub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats are worth as much as all 32 NHL teams combined.
What is the current size and growth of the ticket sales industry?
The ticket sales market has grown a lot. Companies like Live Nation and Stubhub are considering IPOs. Live Nation is worth $22.7 billion, and Stubhub could be worth $16.5 billion. SeatGeek and Vivid Seats are also big players in the market.
What are the primary features and services offered by Stubhub and Ticketmaster?
Stubhub and Ticketmaster sell tickets for many events. Ticketmaster has special categories and exclusive NFL team contracts. Stubhub focuses on the secondary market. Both offer direct and fan-to-fan seats.
How do Stubhub and Ticketmaster compare in terms of ticket selection and event coverage?
Both platforms offer tickets for big events and smaller shows. Ticketmaster has deals with most NFL teams. Stubhub is strong in the secondary market. They both cover events worldwide.
What are the pricing structures and service fees for Stubhub and Ticketmaster?
Both charge fees for buying and selling tickets. Stubhub takes 10% from buyers and 15% from sellers. Ticketmaster’s fees average around 15%. A 2018 report found total fees can be up to 58% of the ticket price.
