The CMA officially launches an investigation into Ticketmaster’s handling of Oasis reunion tour ticket sales.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially launched an investigation into Ticketmaster following complaints about high ticket prices and dynamic pricing for Oasis’s upcoming reunion tour.

Fans were left outraged after facing inflated costs, largely due to dynamic pricing, a system that adjusts prices based on demand. This has prompted the CMA to examine whether Ticketmaster breached consumer protection laws, particularly if the company engaged in “unfair commercial practices” or pressured customers to buy tickets quickly without providing clear information on pricing.

In their statement, the CMA detailed that the investigation will focus on three main areas: if Ticketmaster failed to provide “clear and timely information” about dynamic pricing, if they placed undue pressure on consumers to purchase tickets rapidly, and whether these practices may have been misleading or unfair. Fans have until 19th September to submit their experiences of trying to purchase tickets for the reunion shows.

The investigation follows a storm of complaints regarding how dynamic pricing was applied. Ticket prices skyrocketed, with some going from £150 to over £350 within minutes, leaving many Oasis fans feeling exploited or landed with an impossible decision. The CMA’s probe is timely, as dynamic pricing continues to be a point of contention across the live music industry, affecting fans of other major acts as well.

Oasis, who recently announced their reunion tour, have made efforts to distance themselves from the controversy, stating in a press release that their management and promoters handle ticket sales. They acknowledged that the overwhelming demand led to “significant issues” for fans, but emphasised that dynamic pricing was intended to combat touting and make tickets more accessible at the standard price. To address fan dissatisfaction, Oasis recently added two additional Wembley shows and will distribute tickets through an invitation-only ballot system, prioritising those who missed out initially.

While this investigation by the competition watchdog focuses specifically on Ticketmaster’s handling of the Oasis reunion tour ticket sales, “the CMA is separately considering broader competition and consumer issues raised by so-called ‘dynamic pricing'”. The relevant press release from the CMA also stated that the watchdog was keen to assist the UK government should it seek to develop policy around dynamic pricing.

While the investigation could bring about changes to how tickets are sold for major events, it also highlights the need for transparency “with customers over how they price their tickets so people can make informed decisions”, as noted by a Downing Street spokesperson.