U.S. Ticket Resale Laws Tighten as DC and Massachusetts Pass Caps, While StubHub Faces Lawsuit and Industry Bodies Adjust Leadership

Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, the District Council unanimously approved the RESALE Act, a comprehensive set of rules aimed at limiting ticket scalping in the capital. The law caps resale markups at 10 percent, bans speculative sales, prohibits surveillance‑based pricing, and requires high‑volume resellers to register with the city. The legislation also mandates full price transparency for all tickets sold on secondary markets.

The act was championed by Councilmember Charles Allen and backed by the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). According to reports, the bill was designed to protect fans and local venues by restoring fairness to the District’s live‑entertainment ecosystem.

Massachusetts followed suit a day earlier. Gov. Maura Healey announced the Great Divide Act at a State House press conference, citing the recent Noah Kahan shows at Fenway Park as an example of the need for tighter controls. The legislation caps resale prices at 110 percent of face value and limits service fees to 10 percent. Healey also announced a ban on ghost tickets.

Both laws reflect a growing trend toward regulation of the secondary ticket market. The DC RESALE Act, for instance, includes a provision that all‑in price transparency must be displayed to consumers, and it strengthens enforcement against exploitative platforms.

In related news, StubHub is the target of a proposed $5 million class‑action lawsuit. The suit accuses the ticket‑resale broker of deceptive practices, alleging that it markets itself as a “marketplace for fans” while engaging in activities that benefit large‑scale scalpers. The complaint also references a CBC investigation that revealed CEO Eric Baker also runs Andro Capital, a hedge fund that resells millions of dollars in sports and concert tickets on StubHub.

StubHub’s CEO has been named in the lawsuit, which claims the platform misled consumers about its relationship with professional ticket sellers. The suit follows a separate controversy in which StubHub cancelled thousands of World Cup tickets, sparking a separate class‑action.

Meanwhile, NIVA has added three new members to its Board of Directors. David Weingarden, Vice President of Concerts + Events at Z2 Entertainment; Cassie Dickson, Director of HR and Project Manager for Audiotree, Lincoln Hall, and Schubas Taverne; and Shayna Melgaard, Programming Manager at Hennepin Arts Center. NIVA’s Executive Director Stephen Parker said the new board members bring diverse experience that will strengthen the organization’s advocacy for independent venues.

In the venue‑management arena, VenuWorks announced that Numa Christopher Saisselin will serve as Executive Director of the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce, Florida. Saisselin joins after VenuWorks was selected as the new management company for the 1,200‑seat theater. He previously held leadership roles at the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center and the Count Basie Theatre.

The live‑music industry is also preparing for the 2027 Music Festival Showcase. Applications are now open for a $35 fee, with the cost set to rise after August 31. The showcase is part of a broader effort to support independent festivals.

AEG is expanding its Venue Development team to support a growing slate of venues across North America. The company promoted Cameron Marcotte to Vice President and added Jake Hiersteiner and Mike Ryan to Director roles. New hires include Alyssa Sarilarp as Senior Design and Construction Specialist, Will Evans as Senior Project Manager, and Marysol Flores as Administrative Assistant. The team is led by Senior Vice President Colin Conway.

These developments illustrate a tightening regulatory environment for ticket resale, increased scrutiny of major secondary platforms, and a continued focus on supporting independent venues and festivals. The laws in Washington and Massachusetts set a precedent that other states may follow, while the industry’s leadership changes signal ongoing adaptation to the evolving market.

At present, the RESALE Act and Great Divide Act are in effect, and the StubHub lawsuit is pending. NIVA, VenuWorks, and AEG are adjusting their leadership structures, and the Music Festival Showcase remains open for applications.