What is StubHub? Ticket exchange website explained
STUBHUB is an open marketplace allowing fans to buy and sell tickets to thousands of worldwide spectacles — concerts, sports, theatre and other live entertainment events.
Here we take a look at StubHub and whether it’s a legitimate ticket supplier.
What is StubHub?
Having been in business for over two decades, StubHub is the world’s leading marketplace for fans to buy and sell tickets to all kinds of live events.
StubHub merged with Viagogo — a multinational ticket exchange and resale brand spanning more than 90 countries — in 2020.
StubHub does add fees onto their tickets, with the website listing the following rules:
- StubHub charges a fee when fans buy and sell tickets on our site.
- There is no set percentage for fees, and fees can change based on ticket price, time to event, updated event information and supply and demand.
- Our fees and prices are competitive with other marketplaces.
- You can see the total price, including estimated fees, by using the filter and selecting include estimated fees.
- You’ll see the total ticket cost, including a list of all fees, at checkout
When was StubHub created?
StubHub was founded as a class project in March 2000 by Stanford MBA students Eric Baker and Jeff Fluhr.
In 2007 StubHub was purchased by eBay for $310million (£242million).
On February 13, 2020 StubHub was sold by eBay to Viagogo for over $4billion (£3.1billion).
The interim CEO of eBay Inc, Scott Schenkell, said at the time: “The completed sale of StubHub to Viagogo is a great outcome both in terms of the $4.05 billion sale price and the potential StubHub has with its new owner.
“The StubHub transaction reinforces our commitment to creating shareholder value and is consistent with other steps we have taken such as margin improvement, share buybacks and issuing dividends.
“We are operating with discipline and focus, improving financial performance and delivering improved customer experiences.
“On behalf of the eBay team, we’re excited to see how StubHub evolves in its next phase and benefits fans, partners and employees.”
Following an enquiry by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into the merger of Viagogo and StubHub, it was determined that StubHub’s international entities (all entities except those in the US and Canada) were to be divested and made independent from StubHub and Viagogo.
The new independent group consists of businesses in the UK, France, Germany, Spain — and a number of other international markets
In September 2021, All StubHub entities outside the USA and Canada were given approval to become a new independent group — StubHub International.
StubHub International was bought by Digital Fuel Capital, an investment operating company focused on building leaders in e-commerce, on September 8, 2021.
Digital Fuel’s President, Carson Biederman said: “We are thrilled to become the new owners of StubHub International. After a long time and process, the teams in London, Madrid, Bilbao and Berlin will now form a new independent company.
“Together, we look forward to growing StubHub International as an agile and competitive ticket marketplace focused on helping fans access live experiences and transfer tickets securely.”
Wayne Grierson, General Manager of StubHub International said: “It is our mission to help fans access incredible experiences. We are excited to become independent, as we help fans return to concerts, theatres and stadiums.”
Is StubHub a legitimate website?
Yes, StubHub is a legitimate website.
StubHub’s FanProtect guarantee means every ticket is guaranteed valid — or customers receive a replacement ticket of equal or better value, or their money back.
StubHub’s website also guarantees that you will receive your tickets in time for the event, and also that you will receive a genuine ticket which is valid for entry.
Is the StubHub app safe?
Yes, the StubHub app is safe.
It offers the same protections as the website — as explained above.
StubHub states: “If your event is cancelled and not rescheduled, you’ll receive 120% credit or we’ll provide the option of a full refund.”