California enacts law banning sale of tickets not yet owned, targeting ghost tickets
Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1349, outlawing the sale of tickets that sellers do not yet possess and prohibiting software that evades venue purchase limits.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1349, a bipartisan measure that makes it illegal to advertise concert or sporting event tickets that the seller does not actually own and prohibits the use of software to circumvent venue purchase restrictions. The legislation, championed by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan after he and a friend found overpriced, pre-sale listings for a Hollywood Bowl concert, seeks to eliminate deceptive “ghost tickets” that inflate prices and leave fans without seats.
Live Nation, the owner of Ticketmaster, originally backed the bill, arguing it would stop scams, while StubHub spent millions lobbying against it but ultimately supported the revised version that critics claim provides an exemption for large resale platforms. The National Independent Venue Association criticized the final text, saying it places small venues and nonprofit promoters at risk and effectively shields major ticket marketplaces. In his signing statement, Newsom noted possible carve-outs and urged further discussion to refine the policy.
Why it matters
The law aims to protect ticket buyers and small venues from deceptive resale practices that raise prices and leave fans without tickets.
How this story developed
- Sep 19 Newsom signs sweeping election-security package to block ballot seizures and boost transparency
- Sep 27 The new package adds rules on early drop‑off sites and police proximity to polling places.
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