The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has cautioned Ticketmaster that it may have breached consumer protection laws during last summer’s Oasis ticket sale—just as the Britpop icons prepare for a highly anticipated reunion tour this summer.
The regulator’s investigation flagged two key concerns. Firstly, Ticketmaster allegedly marketed some seated tickets as ‘platinum’, charging around 2.5 times the standard price without clearly stating that these seats offered no extra benefits and were often in the same sections as standard tickets.
Secondly, the CMA found that Ticketmaster failed to properly disclose two different pricing tiers for standing tickets, with cheaper tickets sold first before more expensive options were released. Fans were left queuing unaware they might later face higher prices.
The timing is particularly sensitive as Oasis gear up for their first live shows in 15 years. The band will headline a series of gigs, including a few at Heaton Park in Manchester aswell as major UK stadium dates this July and August, including:
- 3rd July – Manchester, Etihad Stadium
- 6th July – London, Wembley Stadium
- 10th July – Glasgow, Hampden Park
- 17th August – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
Hayley Fletcher, Interim Senior Director of Consumer Protection, said: “We’re concerned Oasis fans weren’t given the full picture—or may have been misled into buying tickets they believed were superior when they weren’t. With demand sky-high for these comeback shows, it’s vital fans get fair treatment. We now expect Ticketmaster to work with us to put things right.”
Ticketmaster responded: “We aim to provide the best ticketing platform with a straightforward, transparent service. We welcome the CMA’s input to improve the experience for fans.” The company also stressed it “does not use ‘dynamic pricing’” and noted the CMA appears to have dropped this from its investigation.
Oasis stated they “were unaware dynamic pricing would be used” last summer, adding that while initial plans with promoters and Ticketmaster aimed for “a fair strategy to control prices and tackle touting, the execution fell short.” With tickets for the 2025 tour expected to sell rapidly, all eyes will be on whether lessons have been learned.
