What it is
The ticket resale market, also known as the secondary market, is a platform where individuals or professional resellers sell tickets to sports events that they originally purchased from primary vendors. Prices in this market are determined by supply and demand, often fluctuating significantly based on team performance, opponent, importance of the game, and scarcity. Platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek facilitate these transactions, connecting sellers with buyers.
The ticket resale market provides flexibility for fans but can lead to price gouging, especially for high-demand events. It impacts team revenue indirectly; while teams don't directly profit from secondary market sales, robust resale activity indicates high demand, which can influence primary ticket pricing and season ticket renewals. Policy debates often surround regulations to combat scalping and ensure fair pricing, affecting fan access and the overall economics of live sports attendance.
Why it matters
The ticket resale market reflects real-time demand for live sports, impacting fan access, primary ticket pricing strategies, and overall event revenue potential.
Reviewed under editorial standardsUpdated September 26, 2026Not investment advice