NATB rebrands as National Association of Ticketing Professionals amid growing legislation targeting secondary market
The National Association of Ticket Brokers has changed its name to the National Association of Ticketing Professionals (NATP), positioning the new identity as part of a broader effort to defend consumer choice, ticket transferability, and professional standards. Founded in 1994, the Falls Church, Virginia-based trade association says the rebrand better reflects its advocacy role at a time when primary ticketing platforms face federal antitrust scrutiny and state-level resale legislation accelerates across the US.
StubHub Q1 2026: $2.2B in gross sales, 12% revenue growth, and a push into "open distribution"
StubHub opened 2026 with $2.2 billion in gross merchandise sales (up 7% YoY), revenue of $446 million (up 12%), and net income of $48 million — a return to profitability after a $22.2 million loss a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA climbed to $72.1 million with margins expanding to 16%. CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy highlighted progress on "open distribution" — direct integrations with primary ticketing platforms — and an AI-powered Distribution Manager tool. Full-year guidance: $9.9B–$10.1B in GMS.
VisitOne closes investment round led by Haatch to accelerate arts venue technology
VisitOne, a platform that integrates ticketing, communications, and in-venue services for arts and cultural venues, has completed a funding round led by Haatch. The company reports an average 18% revenue uplift for clients and has grown its client base by 175%, now integrating with over 15 ticketing and point-of-sale solutions across three continents.
European leisure market surpasses 2024 peak as arrivals grow 5.6% year-on-year
The European Travel Commission's May 2026 report confirms a 5.6% increase in year-on-year arrivals. Growth is being driven by rising visitor numbers rather than higher prices for the first time in two years, with geopolitical factors redirecting long-haul travel budgets toward European destinations. Q1 2026 ticket sales matched historic peaks of early 2024.
Flicket selected by Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
NZ-based ticketing platform Flicket will power ticketing for the May 21–24 boat show, with sales already outpacing last year.
Prioticket partners with channel manager Palisis
Integration connects Prioticket's attractions ticketing with Palisis's distribution network for tours and experiences.
Wizard of Oz at Sphere grosses $370M, nearly 3M tickets sold
Sphere Entertainment reported the AI-infused production has sold almost 3 million tickets across 500+ shows since opening last August.
Ticketmaster cuts 350 jobs across 25 countries in AI restructuring
8% of global workforce affected, primarily in engineering, product, and design. Company frames AI as "new utility."
Live Nation Q1 revenue up 12% to $3.8B despite $450M legal accrual
Ticketing revenue climbed 10% to $765M. 138M fee-bearing tickets transacted through April, up 9% YoY.
Festival season goes local as mid-tier events proliferate
TicketNews analysis: regional festivals are growing faster than mega-festivals, shifting ticket demand patterns.