StubHub IPO – how to trade StubHub shares

Learn about StubHub and its anticipated IPO, including key business drivers, potential valuation, and how to trade its stock via CFDs when it lists.

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When is the StubHub IPO date?

As of April 2025, StubHub has not confirmed an official initial public offering (IPO) date, but reports suggest a listing could take place sometime this year. The move follows years of restructuring, including its separation from Viagogo to meet antitrust concerns. With the global rebound in live events and consumer appetite for experiences at an all-time high, many analysts believe the company is preparing to capitalise on market momentum with a public debut.

Factors influencing the timing may include:

• Event demand cycles: a spike in blockbuster tours or major global sports tournaments could boost revenue and valuation appeal.

• Regulatory readiness: StubHub has faced scrutiny over resale practices, which could affect its ability to list in certain jurisdictions.

• Market conditions: the IPO may be timed to coincide with a favourable window for consumer tech and entertainment stocks.

Find out more about imminent listings with our guide to upcoming IPOs.

What is StubHub?

StubHub is an online marketplace that allows users to buy and sell tickets for live events – including concerts, sporting events, theatre shows, and festivals. Originally launched in 2000 and later acquired by eBay, StubHub was sold to Viagogo in 2020 and has since become an independent entity again following antitrust rulings. It’s one of the most recognisable brands in the ticket resale industry, operating globally across the US, UK, Europe, and beyond.

As of early 2025, StubHub reportedly serves over 120 million ticket buyers annually across more than 90 countries. The platform lists tens of millions of tickets each year, with revenues for 2024 at around $1.77bn. According to media reports, StubHub is aiming for a $13bn-$15bn valuation at IPO, with adjusted EBITDA margins in the mid-20% range, driven by high repeat usage and strong pricing power in key event categories.

Key milestones

• 2000 – StubHub founded as a peer-to-peer ticket resale platform

• 2007 – acquired by eBay for a reported $310m

• 2020 – eBay sells StubHub to Viagogo for $4.05bn

• 2021 – regulatory intervention forces separation of StubHub’s North American business

• 2024 – operates independently and reportedly planning IPO

How does StubHub make money?

StubHub makes money through a range of transaction-based and value-added services. Here’s a list of the company’s revenue streams. 

StubHub’s model is volume-driven, meaning revenue tends to surge during peak event seasons or high-profile tours. The platform also benefits from pricing dynamics, where resale value can exceed face value for in-demand events.

What might influence the StubHub live stock price?

StubHub’s IPO could mark a major moment for the live entertainment industry, and its share price will likely move in response to a mix of business performance, consumer behaviour, and external market forces. From major tour announcements and sports finals to pricing regulation and tech disruption, these are the factors that might push the StubHub share price  higher – or lower – after its public debut.

Demand for live events

If the trend of prioritising experiences over material goods continues, StubHub could benefit from a global upswing in demand for concerts, sports, and festivals. Big-name tours (like Taylor Swift or Coldplay), major tournaments (like the World Cup or Super Bowl), or even a strong theatre season could fuel transaction volumes and lift investor expectations. 

Conversely, if consumer spending weakens due to economic pressure, or if event attendance levels off post-pandemic, ticket sales – and by extension, StubHub’s revenue – could soften, hurting the stock.

Partnerships and exclusive access

StubHub could see its stock rise if it secures exclusive ticketing rights with top-tier sports leagues, concert venues, or global event organisers. These deals would give the platform a competitive edge and ensure consistent user traffic. Investors may also reward StubHub for launching premium offerings or loyalty programmes that deepen customer relationships. 

However, if rivals like Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, or new players secure these contracts instead, or if StubHub loses key partners, the market could view this as a setback.

Regulation and pricing scrutiny

StubHub operates in a space that’s increasingly under regulatory scrutiny. A clean bill of health from consumer watchdogs could boost investor confidence and reinforce the company’s image as a transparent, trusted marketplace. 

However, proposed laws to cap resale markups, force upfront pricing, or limit bot-based ticket buying could eat into margins. Negative headlines about price gouging or service issues, especially during high-demand events, may also spark reputational damage that pressures the share price.

Expansion into global markets

The IPO could get a valuation lift if StubHub shows traction in new and fast-growing regions such as Latin America or Southeast Asia, where demand for live events is rising. A successful push into under-penetrated markets, coupled with localisation strategies, could broaden its revenue base and drive future growth. 

But global expansion isn’t risk-free. Regulatory complexity, local competition, or poor customer uptake could lead to underperformance in new regions, weighing on earnings potential.

Technology and platform innovation

If StubHub invests in new technologies like AI-powered ticket recommendations, dynamic pricing engines, or blockchain for ticket authenticity, it could be seen as a forward-thinking platform that’s well-positioned for future growth. A seamless, mobile-first user experience may also drive higher engagement and repeat purchases. 

However, if innovation lags or if the platform faces recurring issues with fraud, glitches, or customer service, the stock could face downside pressure from analysts and users alike.

Broader IPO and market conditions

StubHub’s debut will also be influenced by external market dynamics. A strong IPO pipeline, bullish sentiment in tech or entertainment stocks, and healthy retail investor appetite could create early momentum for the share price. 

On the flip side, volatility in equity markets, interest rate fears, or lacklustre performance from other recent IPOs may cool demand and lead to a more subdued or even discounted valuation.

How to trade StubHub stocks via CFDs

If StubHub lists publicly, you may be able to trade its shares as CFDs. Here’s how:

• Choose a platformCapital.com offers CFD trading on thousands of global stocks, including new IPOs and event-driven firms.
• Open an accountRegister, verify your identity, and choose your trading preferences.
• Fund your accountDeposit funds into your account. Only trade with capital you can afford to risk.
• Track the IPOFollow StubHub IPO news, filings, and price charts once the stock begins trading.
• Trade the stockUse long or short positions to speculate on price movements. Add stop-losses and take-profits to manage risk.

Learn more in our CFD trading guide.

Which entertainment and ticketing stocks can I trade?

While StubHub is still private, there are several publicly listed companies offering exposure to live events, ticketing platforms, and entertainment tech:

• Live Nation (LYV) – owns Ticketmaster and promotes global tours and festivals

• Eventbrite (EB) – provides ticketing solutions for mid-size and grassroots events

• AMC Entertainment (AMC) – cinema chain with exposure to live events and movie premieres

• Spotify (SPOT) – partners with artists and promoters to drive concert attendance

See our full shares trading guide to explore more opportunities.

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