His office stated on Friday that it has fielded complaints from purchasers who thought they had successfully bought seats, only to learn at the last minute that their orders were voided. Paxton indicated the probe will look into whether StubHub deceived buyers or failed to deliver tickets that were paid for.
StubHub operates as a major online marketplace where individuals can resell tickets to various events. According to a statement from the attorney general's office and an Associated Press report, StubHub had attributed these phantom orders - transactions that appear valid until they're revoked - to problems with FIFA's ticketing infrastructure.
The investigation is taking place at a time when World Cup ticket demand is extremely high and secondary market platforms are under greater scrutiny. These sites often sell tickets at prices well above face value for high-profile sporting and entertainment events.
FIFA's own ticketing system has drawn criticism over pricing and availability, while Paxton separately launched an investigation last month into whether FIFA deceived fans regarding seat locations and quality for World Cup matches. Attorneys general from New York and New Jersey began a separate inquiry in May into how FIFA handles ticket sales.
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The Switzerland-based governing body of football has encouraged fans to use its official resale marketplace instead. FIFA charges a 15% fee to both the buyer and seller on each transaction made through its platform.
Paxton said his office will determine if StubHub violated Texas consumer protection laws. World Cup games have taken place in both Dallas and Houston, and the semi-final is set for July 14 in Dallas.
The controversy highlights ongoing issues with secondary ticketing, where fans risk paying inflated prices for tickets that may not be honored. The voided orders in Texas add to a pattern of consumer complaints against resale platforms during major events. Paxton's parallel investigation into FIFA further suggests that ticketing problems for the World Cup are not limited to StubHub alone. As the tournament progresses, regulators in multiple states are examining whether fans are being treated fairly.
The investigation into StubHub is part of a larger regulatory push. This multi-state effort reflects the complexity of ensuring fair access to high-demand events like the World Cup. The mounting scrutiny also underscores the tension between official ticket distributors and secondary markets, where consumers often seek better deals but face greater risk.
The situation underscores the persistent risks associated with secondary ticket markets. With World Cup demand at peak levels, fans who rely on resale platforms like StubHub may face last-minute cancellations, as seen in Texas. Regulators in multiple states are now investigating not only StubHub but also FIFA's own ticketing practices, indicating that the problems are systemic. Consumers are advised to verify ticket authenticity and consider using official resale channels to avoid disappointment.
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