Don’t cap prices, stop the bots. That’s the argument from StubHub International chief executive Bob Kupbens as he challenges plans to restrict ticket resale profits — and questions whether the company could continue operating in the UK under a cap. Would limiting resale prices make live events fairer, or expose fans to new risks?
On The Big Boss Interview, Kupbens tells Will Bain that the government should prioritise enforcement against automated ticket-buying tools that scoop up tickets before ordinary fans can get them. He argues that these bots create artificial scarcity, pushing buyers towards the resale market.
For anyone who has seen tickets for a sold-out concert reappear online at much higher prices, restricting resale profits may seem an obvious solution. Kupbens disputes that logic. He argues that sellers seeking a higher return would move towards social media and other less protected channels, exposing buyers to scams. But can unrestricted resale prices really put fans first — or do they leave the biggest events increasingly out of reach?
Asked what a no-profit cap would mean for StubHub International, he says: “We have to assess whether maintaining a business in the UK makes sense.” He stops short of announcing a departure, saying he hopes the company will still be serving UK fans for the 2028 Euros.
A separate dispute concerns the Sporting Events Bill, which would provide a framework for hosting major sporting events in the UK, including rules giving organisers control over who can sell and resell tickets. Kupbens warns that extending these powers to recurring events, such as Wimbledon and the British Grand Prix, risks reducing competition and consumer choice.
He also calls for primary ticket sellers and resale platforms to check digital tickets directly with one another. Could better verification and stronger enforcement make buying tickets safer — and would either make seeing your favourite artist or team more affordable?
Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson