StubHub facing potential class-action lawsuit in Canada
Essential brief
A Vancouver resident has filed a proposed nationwide class-action lawsuit against StubHub in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, alleging the ticket resale platform fails to uphold its FanProtec
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Why it matters
This proposed class-action lawsuit underscores significant consumer protection issues in the secondary ticket resale market in Canada. If successful, it could lead to stricter enforcement of ticket guarantees and greater accountability for resale platforms like StubHub, potentially improving buyer confidence and fairness in ticket transactions. The case also highlights the challenges consumers face when promised tickets are not delivered or are invalid, emphasizing the need for clearer regulations and protections.
A proposed nationwide class-action lawsuit has been filed against StubHub by Vancouver resident Mark Gallagher in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. The lawsuit alleges that StubHub, despite marketing its FanProtect Guarantee, regularly fails to deliver on its promises to consumers. The guarantee assures buyers that tickets will arrive in time for events, be valid for entry, and match the seats ordered or be comparable. If these conditions are not met, StubHub promises to provide comparable or better tickets, a refund, or credit. The claim contends StubHub often declines to honor this guarantee, providing inferior tickets or refusing refunds even when comparable tickets are available.
The lawsuit details Gallagher’s experience purchasing tickets for the FIFA World Cup games in Vancouver on June 18, 2026. He paid over $19,000 for tickets to the Canada versus Qatar and Switzerland versus Canada matches. The tickets purchased did not specify exact seat numbers. Days before the Qatar game, Gallagher was notified that his tickets were ready, but he was unable to access them despite following instructions and contacting StubHub’s helpline multiple times. StubHub repeatedly assured him tickets would be delivered within hours, but they never arrived. Gallagher attended the game without valid tickets and was later informed by StubHub that no tickets were available. Although he received a refund, he is seeking punitive damages.
The proposed class action represents anyone who entered into a distance contract for resale tickets through StubHub or its affiliated sites, including Viagogo, for events held in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, or Ontario since March 31, 2025. The claim alleges damages due to StubHub’s misrepresentations and failure to provide valid tickets or refunds.
This lawsuit has not yet been certified by the court. Consumers who believe they may be affected should monitor updates on the case. StubHub has been contacted for comment but has not responded at this time.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the reliability and consumer protections in the secondary ticket resale market in Canada. It may prompt closer scrutiny of ticket resale platforms and their guarantees to buyers.
Consumers are advised to exercise caution when purchasing resale tickets and to be aware of their rights under applicable consumer protection laws.
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