Full Breakdown
California Introduces Bill to Cap Resale Ticket Prices
2/5/2026, 11:41:46 PM
Overview of the California Fans First Act
On February 5, 2026, California Assemblyman Matt Haney introduced the California Fans First Act (AB 1720), which aims to limit the resale price of concert tickets to no more than 10% above the original face value. This legislation targets the resale of tickets for concerts, theater, comedy, and other live entertainment events, excluding sports. The bill seeks to address the escalating costs associated with ticket resales, which have been exacerbated by ticket brokers and automated bots exploiting the market. Haney emphasized that the bill is designed to protect both fans and artists, stating, “It is about the astronomical cost of resale that is being driven by bots and [ticket] brokers who are exploiting a scheme to leech off the work of artists.”
Support and Context for the Legislation
The California Fans First Act has garnered support from various organizations, including the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA CA) and the Music Artists Coalition. These groups argue that capping resale prices will help maintain affordable ticket prices for fans and ensure that more revenue stays within the live music ecosystem. Ron Gubitz, executive director of the Music Artists Coalition, noted that limiting resale profits would reduce the incentive for brokers to engage in speculative ticketing, thereby fostering a healthier market for fans.
The bill follows similar legislative efforts in other states, with Maine being the only state to have successfully implemented a resale cap, limiting prices to 110% of face value. Other states, including New York and Washington, are also considering similar measures.
Implications for the Live Music Industry
Advocates argue that the proposed cap will not only make tickets more affordable but also encourage attendance at live events, which is crucial for the recovery of independent venues that have struggled since the pandemic. The high attrition rates at these venues, which have risen from 5% to 20-30%, have significantly impacted their revenue, primarily derived from food and beverage sales. By making tickets more accessible, supporters believe that fans will have more disposable income to spend at these venues, thereby benefiting the overall live music ecosystem.
Legislative Synergy and Future Developments
The California Fans First Act complements another bill, AB 1349, which aims to outlaw speculative ticketing practices. This legislation seeks to prevent the sale of tickets that resellers do not own or are not guaranteed to receive. Joe Rinaldi, president of NIVA CA, stated that both bills work together to restore confidence in the ticket purchasing process for consumers.
As the movement for resale caps gains momentum, California lawmakers are collaborating with other states that are pursuing similar legislation. Stephen Parker, executive director of NIVA, noted that the push for these limits is gaining traction despite opposition from well-funded lobbying efforts by secondary ticket platforms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “is very simple. It is enforceable. It is common sense and it is fair to both fans and artists,” — Matt Haney, California Assemblyman
- “This problem has gotten out of control and it’s getting much worse.” — Matt Haney, California Assemblyman
- “We want customers to have confidence that they’re buying from the source and they’re not going to have an absolute nightmare on date night.” — Joe Rinaldi, NIVA CA President
The California Fans First Act represents a significant step towards regulating the resale ticket market, aiming to create a fairer environment for both fans and artists in the live entertainment industry.
