Brief
Gov. Newsom signs bill banning sale of speculative tickets
The law targets 'ghost tickets' but leaves carve‑outs for resale marketplaces and sports venues.
By Felo News Desk · Published
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB‑1349 on Sept. 28, 2026, a bipartisan measure aimed at prohibiting the advertising, listing or sale of tickets that sellers do not yet possess, commonly called "ghost tickets."
The bill bars sellers from using software to bypass ticket limits, queue or presale rules and restricts websites that present themselves as authorized ticket sources. Violations could result in misdemeanor charges.
Newsom noted on X that buying a ticket should not involve hidden risks, but he also expressed reservations, saying the law takes an "uneven approach" and may allow certain sellers to avoid obligations. He urged Assemblymember Isaac Bryan to refine the carve‑outs, though he did not specify which sellers are exempt.
Critics say the final version effectively exempts major resale platforms such as StubHub, which are excluded from the definition of speculative ticket sellers but remain liable for knowingly facilitating such sales and must adopt "reasonable measures" to prevent them. The law also provides a safe harbor for California professional sports teams and venues that manage their own ticket inventory.
Key facts
- Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB‑1349 to ban the sale of speculative tickets. (latimes.com)
- The law makes it illegal to list or sell tickets not yet possessed, with misdemeanor penalties. (latimes.com)
- Exemptions include resale marketplaces like StubHub and California pro‑sports teams managing their own inventory. (latimes.com)
- Newsom said the bill takes an uneven approach and called for further discussion on carve‑outs. (latimes.com)
Sources
- [1] latimes.com — originally reported as “Newsom signs 'ghost ticket' ban but says its carve-outs need more work”
