The Ticket Resale Tug-of-War: Why California’s Failed Bill Matters More Than You Think
Ever tried buying concert tickets only to find them sold out in seconds, then reappearing on resale sites at triple the price? It’s a frustration shared by millions, and California just tried—and failed—to do something about it. Assembly Bill 1720, which aimed to cap concert ticket resale prices at 10% above face value, died in the Senate appropriations committee last week. But what’s truly fascinating here isn’t just the bill’s failure—it’s the why behind it, and what it reveals about the power dynamics in the entertainment industry.
The Battle Lines: Fans vs. Scalpers vs. Big Money
On one side, you had fans, artists, and independent venues rallying behind the bill. They argued—and I agree—that runaway resale prices are killing the live music experience. Personally, I think the idea of capping resale prices isn’t just about affordability; it’s about preserving the cultural accessibility of live events. What many people don’t realize is that ticket scalping isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a symptom of a broken system where profit trumps passion.
On the other side, you had StubHub, which spent a jaw-dropping $3.4 million lobbying against the bill. That’s right—$3.4 million. If you take a step back and think about it, that kind of spending isn’t just about protecting a business model; it’s about safeguarding a lucrative monopoly. StubHub’s argument that “more choice and flexibility” benefit fans feels hollow when those choices come at the cost of financial exploitation.
The Hidden Implications: What This Really Suggests
What this really suggests is that the fight over ticket resale isn’t just about prices—it’s about control. Who gets to decide how much a fan pays to see their favorite artist? Is it the artist, the venue, or the resale platform? From my perspective, the failure of AB 1720 highlights a deeper issue: the entertainment industry’s reluctance to challenge its own profiteering practices.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the bill was watered down before it even failed. Originally applying to all venues, it was amended to only cover those with 3,000 seats or fewer. This effectively gutted its impact, since most high-demand shows happen in larger arenas. It’s a classic case of compromise weakening a good idea—and a reminder that even well-intentioned legislation can be sabotaged by special interests.
The Broader Trend: California’s Loss, Other States’ Gain?
While California’s bill failed, similar measures have passed in Maine, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Massachusetts is also pushing forward. This raises a deeper question: Is California, often seen as a progressive leader, falling behind on this issue? Personally, I think it’s less about ideology and more about the sheer power of lobbying. California’s failure isn’t a defeat for fans everywhere—it’s a wake-up call about the challenges of regulating industries with deep pockets.
What’s Next: The Future of Ticket Resale
Assemblymember Matt Haney vowed to keep fighting, and I hope he does. But the real battle won’t be won in Sacramento—it’ll be won in the court of public opinion. Fans need to keep demanding transparency and fairness, and artists need to keep using their platforms to call out predatory practices. One thing that immediately stands out is how this issue transcends genres and demographics. From Kid Rock to Noah Kahan, artists across the spectrum are united in their frustration.
If you ask me, the failure of AB 1720 isn’t the end of the story—it’s just the beginning. The more we talk about this, the harder it becomes for resale platforms to operate unchecked. And that, in my opinion, is the real victory.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters to You
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about ticket prices—it’s about the value we place on shared cultural experiences. Live music is supposed to bring people together, not divide them by who can afford to pay scalper prices. Personally, I think the fight over ticket resale is a microcosm of a much larger struggle: the battle between corporate greed and the public good.
So the next time you see a resale ticket priced at 500% of its face value, remember this: it’s not just a markup—it’s a symptom of a system that needs fixing. And that, my friends, is why California’s failed bill matters more than you think.
