ArtistDirect News
Washington DC Passes RESALE Act to Curb Ticket Scalping
On July 14, 2026, Washington, D.C., moved to clamp down on ticket scalping with the unanimous passage of the RESALE Act. Championed by Councilmember Charles Allen, the bill caps resale markups at 10 %, bans speculative sales, prohibits surveillance pricing, and requires full‑price transparency. High‑volume resellers must register with the city, and enforcement provisions are tightened to protect consumers from secondary‑market exploitation.
The legislation tackles the most common predatory practices in the secondary market head‑on. By limiting resale prices to 10 % above face value, the law removes the steep markups that have driven fans to unregulated platforms. The ban on speculative sales stops resellers from buying tickets before events are announced, while the prohibition on surveillance pricing prevents platforms from using real‑time data to inflate prices. All‑in price transparency guarantees that buyers see the total cost—including fees—before they commit.
NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, helped shape the bill’s reforms. Executive Director Stephen Parker praised the new board members—David Weingarden, Cassie Dickson, and Shayna Melgaard—for bringing diverse experience that will strengthen advocacy for independent venues. NIVA has long campaigned for scalping reforms that support local promoters, and the RESALE Act aligns with that mission.
Washington’s move is part of a broader national trend. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced the Great Divide Act, which would cap resale prices at 110 % of face value and limit service fees to 10 %. Healey cited Noah Kahan’s recent Fenway Park shows as an example of the need for regulation. “Our legislation is going to cap resale ticket prices and fees for all concerts,” she said in a press conference. “So those $200 Noah Kahan tickets can only be sold for $220 now.”
The ticket‑resale debate has also drawn legal scrutiny. StubHub, a subsidiary of StubHub Holdings, faces a proposed $5 million class‑action lawsuit alleging deceptive practices and ties to large‑scale scalpers. The suit claims that StubHub markets itself as a “marketplace for fans” while facilitating price gouging. SEC filings show that StubHub CEO Eric Baker also runs Andro Capital, a hedge fund that reportedly resells millions of dollars in sports and concert tickets on StubHub. The company has previously faced backlash after canceling thousands of World Cup tickets.
Other industry developments underscore the shifting landscape. VenuWorks appointed Numa Christopher Saisselin as Executive Director of the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce, Florida. Saisselin, formerly president of the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center and former CEO of the Count Basie Theatre, will oversee the 1,200‑seat venue under VenuWorks’ management contract.
The Music Festival Showcase is now accepting applications for its 2027 lineup. The application fee is $35 today, rising after August 31. The showcase, along with related SXSW 2027 deadlines, is part of a broader push to support emerging festival talent.
Meanwhile, AEG is expanding its Venue Development team. Cameron Marcotte has been promoted to Vice President, and Jake Hiersteiner and Mike Ryan have moved to Director roles. New hires include Senior Design and Construction Specialist Alyssa Sarilarp, Senior Project Manager Will Evans, and Administrative Assistant Marysol Flores. The team reports to Senior Vice President Colin Conway.
With the RESALE Act now in effect, Washington, D.C., has become a testing ground for ticket‑resale reform. The legislation’s impact on consumer prices, venue revenues, and secondary‑market dynamics will be closely watched as other jurisdictions consider similar measures. At the same time, ongoing legal actions against StubHub and the expansion of venue management and festival programs signal a broader industry shift toward greater transparency and sustainability in live entertainment.
The legislation tackles the most common predatory practices in the secondary market head‑on. By limiting resale prices to 10 % above face value, the law removes the steep markups that have driven fans to unregulated platforms. The ban on speculative sales stops resellers from buying tickets before events are announced, while the prohibition on surveillance pricing prevents platforms from using real‑time data to inflate prices. All‑in price transparency guarantees that buyers see the total cost—including fees—before they commit.
NIVA, the National Independent Venue Association, helped shape the bill’s reforms. Executive Director Stephen Parker praised the new board members—David Weingarden, Cassie Dickson, and Shayna Melgaard—for bringing diverse experience that will strengthen advocacy for independent venues. NIVA has long campaigned for scalping reforms that support local promoters, and the RESALE Act aligns with that mission.
Washington’s move is part of a broader national trend. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced the Great Divide Act, which would cap resale prices at 110 % of face value and limit service fees to 10 %. Healey cited Noah Kahan’s recent Fenway Park shows as an example of the need for regulation. “Our legislation is going to cap resale ticket prices and fees for all concerts,” she said in a press conference. “So those $200 Noah Kahan tickets can only be sold for $220 now.”
The ticket‑resale debate has also drawn legal scrutiny. StubHub, a subsidiary of StubHub Holdings, faces a proposed $5 million class‑action lawsuit alleging deceptive practices and ties to large‑scale scalpers. The suit claims that StubHub markets itself as a “marketplace for fans” while facilitating price gouging. SEC filings show that StubHub CEO Eric Baker also runs Andro Capital, a hedge fund that reportedly resells millions of dollars in sports and concert tickets on StubHub. The company has previously faced backlash after canceling thousands of World Cup tickets.
Other industry developments underscore the shifting landscape. VenuWorks appointed Numa Christopher Saisselin as Executive Director of the Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce, Florida. Saisselin, formerly president of the Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center and former CEO of the Count Basie Theatre, will oversee the 1,200‑seat venue under VenuWorks’ management contract.
The Music Festival Showcase is now accepting applications for its 2027 lineup. The application fee is $35 today, rising after August 31. The showcase, along with related SXSW 2027 deadlines, is part of a broader push to support emerging festival talent.
Meanwhile, AEG is expanding its Venue Development team. Cameron Marcotte has been promoted to Vice President, and Jake Hiersteiner and Mike Ryan have moved to Director roles. New hires include Senior Design and Construction Specialist Alyssa Sarilarp, Senior Project Manager Will Evans, and Administrative Assistant Marysol Flores. The team reports to Senior Vice President Colin Conway.
With the RESALE Act now in effect, Washington, D.C., has become a testing ground for ticket‑resale reform. The legislation’s impact on consumer prices, venue revenues, and secondary‑market dynamics will be closely watched as other jurisdictions consider similar measures. At the same time, ongoing legal actions against StubHub and the expansion of venue management and festival programs signal a broader industry shift toward greater transparency and sustainability in live entertainment.