On September 28, 2026, California addressed the issue of ‘ghost tickets’ in the ticket resale market. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bipartisan bill, AB-1349, aimed at regulating this practice. ‘Ghost tickets’ are speculative tickets that resellers list for sale before obtaining them.
The law prohibits sellers from advertising, listing, or selling tickets they don’t possess or have the legal right to receive unless permitted by the event’s presenter or venue. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of fair ticket buying practices, stating, “Buying a ticket shouldn’t come with hidden risks or unfair practices” on X.
The legislation bans the use of software designed to circumvent ticket limits, queues, and presale restrictions. Additionally, it prevents websites and advertisements from presenting resellers as authorized ticket sources. Violating sellers may face misdemeanor charges and penalties.
“While there may be good reasons for exempting certain sellers from the bill’s provisions, such a carve-out deserves further discussion,” said Governor Newsom.
Governor Newsom signed the bill with reservations, noting concerns about amendments made late in the legislative session. Critics pointed out these changes seem to exempt StubHub, a major ticket resale platform, from being classified as speculative sellers. The bill allows resale marketplaces to avoid some obligations but still requires them to prevent speculative sales.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), initially supportive of the bill, later opposed it due to these amendments. NIVA argued the bill could harm small businesses and nonprofits hosting events regularly.
Live Nation, the company behind Ticketmaster, initially supported the bill. StubHub, initially against it, spent $4.4 million lobbying on this and other related measures. Eventually, StubHub backed the final version, while Live Nation did not comment.
With ticket prices escalating for concerts and sports events, numerous legislative efforts are emerging nationwide to address ticketing challenges. California’s new law follows similar restrictions enacted in states like Maryland, Minnesota, and Maine.
Separately, lawmakers considered a bill to cap resale ticket prices at a maximum of 10% above face value, but it stalled in a Senate committee.
Renewable Energy Expansion and Economic Challenges 
Pacific Hurricanes Nolo and Polo Pose Threats to Hawaii and Mexico 
MLB Considers Hosting Game in Grand Teton National Park 
Investigation Ongoing After Woman Found Dead in Central Park 
Illegal Deer Hunting Incident in Angeles National Forest Leads to Arrests 
CTA Green Line Train Misalignment Incident