SeatGeek Sues D.C. Over Resale Prices

SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, TickPick, and Gametime filed a lawsuit against the District of Columbia to block its 10% resale price cap law.

“under the guise of affordability the district enacted a law that will drive ticket sales into the shadows”

Ticket Policy Forum Leads Lawsuit

The Ticket Policy Forum, a trade association including all four companies, is the lead plaintiff in the case.

Law Caps Resale Prices at 10%

The RESALE Act limits ticket resale prices to 10% above original cost, including fees and taxes.

Exemptions for Sports and Movies

The law exempts most sporting events and movie tickets from the resale price cap.

Plaintiffs Argue Law Is Flawed

The lawsuit claims the law drives sales into unregulated markets, increases fraud, and undermines its own purpose.

“under the guise of affordability the district enacted a law that will drive ticket sales into the shadows”

Price Cap Violates Commerce Clause

The RESALE Act is claimed to violate the dormant Commerce Clause, Due Process Clause, and First Amendment.

Few Transactions In D.C.

Less than 1% of covered transactions involved buyers and sellers both located in D.C.

Fee Cap Creates Losses

The law allows a $4 fee on a $40 ticket but companies incur higher costs to complete the transaction.

Law Exempts Primary Sales

The law exempts primary ticket sales, leaving Ticketmaster free to raise prices and undermine the law.

D.C. Council Passed Law

The D.C. Council passed the law after a committee removed price caps and added a mayor's authority to regulate prices.

Law Signed by Mayor

Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the law on August 10, 2026, after a congressional review period.

Plaintiffs Seek Injunction

The plaintiffs are asking for a preliminary injunction to block the law before January 1, 2027.

Consequence of Law

If the law takes effect, companies will have to sell tickets at a loss or blacklist D.C. events.