British regulators have launched an investigation into Ticketmaster following a series of complaints regarding the sale of tickets for Oasis' highly anticipated reunion tour. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced on Thursday that it will be examining whether Ticketmaster violated consumer protection laws by employing "dynamic pricing," a system that increases ticket prices based on demand.

Over the weekend, fans eager to secure tickets to Oasis' tour next summer faced lengthy queues on Ticketmaster's platform. However, much to their dismay, they discovered that ticket prices had risen during their wait due to the implementation of the dynamic pricing system.

The CMA's probe will focus on two key aspects. Firstly, it will investigate whether Ticketmaster provided customers with clear and timely information regarding the possibility of dynamic pricing and how it would impact the prices of tickets. Secondly, it will examine whether buyers were forced to make hasty purchasing decisions due to unexpected price increases.

While dynamic pricing itself is not illegal, the CMA is concerned with Ticketmaster's transparency in informing customers about the system in advance. The authority emphasized that ticket sales sites are obligated to provide accurate and transparent information about the prices consumers should expect to pay.

Ticketmaster issued a statement expressing its commitment to cooperating with the CMA throughout the investigation. The company's actions will be under close scrutiny as regulators determine whether it adhered to consumer protection laws in the sale of Oasis tickets.

Oasis had previously cautioned buyers that tickets purchased from the secondary resale market would be rendered invalid. However, many fans vented their frustration on social media after witnessing significant price jumps for tickets bought directly through Ticketmaster. Some standing room tickets, originally priced at $100, were reportedly being sold for as much as $466 before fees.

According to the BBC, Oasis released a statement clarifying that the band's lead members, Liam and Noel Gallagher, were unaware that Ticketmaster would utilize dynamic pricing during ticket sales. The band reiterated that decisions regarding ticketing and pricing are left entirely to their promoters and management.

Despite the controversy, tickets for Oasis' concerts in England, Ireland, and Scotland, scheduled from July 4 to August 17, 2025, sold out rapidly. Responding to the overwhelming demand, two additional dates, on September 27 and 28, 2025, at London's Wembley Stadium, were added. These additional tickets will not be subject to dynamic pricing.

This is not the first time that Ticketmaster has come under fire for its use of dynamic pricing. In the past, the company faced criticism during the ticket-buying process for Taylor Swift's Eras tour, leading to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against Ticketmaster's parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, alleging a monopoly on live entertainment.

The CMA's investigation into Ticketmaster's Oasis ticket sales aims to determine whether the company violated consumer protection laws and ensure transparency in future ticketing practices.