StubHub raises $800 million on Wall Street debut with shares over $25

On September 17, 2025, in the United States, StubHub, the prominent online ticket retailer, made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The company, which has been operating for 25 years, opened its initial public offering (IPO) at $25.35 per share, successfully raising around $800 million in revenue. This significant milestone follows a period of uncertainty about the IPO, which had been delayed due to concerns surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's economic policies. StubHub had been considering an IPO amidst the rapidly changing landscape of ticket sales and the competition arising from other companies, such as Sweden-based Klarna. StubHub's ownership history is notable; it was acquired by eBay for approximately $310 million in 2007, but later sold in a multi-billion dollar cash deal to Viagogo in 2019. Eric Barker, who is a co-founder of StubHub and the current CEO of Viagogo, was instrumental in the acquisition as it allowed Viagogo to enhance its presence in the U.S. market. This acquisition strategy highlights the push for consolidation within the ticket-selling industry as companies seek a stronger foothold against emerging competitors. Despite its success in sales, StubHub has faced challenges regarding compliance and consumer trust. In July of the previous year, the District of Columbia Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming that it misled customers with mandatory fees, which were only disclosed right before payment. The Federal Trade Commission also addressed concerns over StubHub's business practices, issuing a warning about adherence to the so-called “junk fee” rule and alleging that some listed tickets did not conform to federal standards. These legal issues underscore the increasing scrutiny faced by online marketplaces in the wake of growing consumer protection considerations. Overall, StubHub's entry onto the NYSE marks a pivotal moment in its history, demonstrating its resilience and ability to navigate the complexities of the ticket-selling industry. The company's performance on the stock market will likely provoke further analysis regarding its future growth strategies and how it plans to resolve existing legal challenges while maintaining competitiveness in an evolving marketplace.