StubHub is a legit ticket resale platform owned by Viagogo (formerly eBay). It’s best known for its FanProtect Guarantee that ensures ticket validity. The site works as a third-party ticket marketplace where users set prices. Meaning, it lets you get tickets to events that might be officially sold out. 

Ticket scams are on the rise; it’s natural to be cautious before clicking “Buy” on a high-dollar order. This guide answers your concerns, covering is StubHub legit for tickets, such as football, NBA, concerts, and others, the pros and cons of StubHub, and more.

Note: We recommend connecting to iProVPN when buying/selling tickets on StubHub. Hackers often intercept networks to steal your financial information when you enter it on commerce sites. Connecting to a VPN encrypts your network traffic and ensures it is uninterceptable.

Is StubHub Legit?

Yes, StubHub is a legitimate ticket resale platform owned by Viagogo. The platform uses vetted sellers to reduce fraud, manage payments, and prevent scams. Think of it as an unofficial website that offers tickets to events that are officially sold out. 

StubHub has individual sellers selling tickets to sports, concerts, and other events. Since StubHub is a third-party website, the ticket prices are higher than the face value. However, you might also get cheap last-minute tickets for sold-out events. 

Additionally, StubHub’s legitimacy depends on its FanProtect Guarantee. It ensures that every ticket purchased is valid for entry and delivered in time for the event. The platform is contractually obligated to find you a replacement ticket if a Seller fails to provide it to you. The platform works as a secure escrow. It holds the seller’s payment until you have entered the venue. 

Is it Safe to Buy Tickets from StubHub?

Yes, it’s safe to buy tickets from StbHub. The platform stands as a reputable intermediary between ticket buyers and sellers. It offers a FanProtect Guarantee for every order, i.e., it is a guarantee that every ticket is valid. 

The legitimacy of StubHub also becomes clearer as the site works as an Escrow for your payments. Meaning, the seller is only paid when you enter the venue. Additionally, it finds you a replacement ticket if the seller, by any chance, fails to provide you with the ticket. 

Factors That Make StubHub Safe

Here are the factors that make StubHub a safe place to buy tickets from:

• FanProtect Guarantee: You get tickets on time or get a comparable replacement. 
• 100% Authenticity Guarantee: All tickets are verified. Fakes result in replacement or refund. 
• On-Time Delivery Guarantee: Tickets are delivered by the event time. 
• Secure payment processing: All StubHub’s transactions are encrypted, and sellers are paid after the event occurs. 
• Buyer Anonymity: Personal information is kept private between parties. 
• Price Transparency: There are no hidden charges. All fees are shown before checkout. 
• Barcode verification: Many tickets are verified through integration with primary sellers or teams. 
• Direct Transfer Options: There’s an official integration with the event’s ticket systems where possible. 
• Customer Service: 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email. 

What is StubHub and How Does it Work?

StubHub is a third-party ticket resale platform owned by Viagogo. According to StubHub, over 100 million fans buy 1.3 tickets every second via the platform. The site provides a platform to sellers to sell their secondhand tickets for sports, concerts, theater, and other live events. Simply put, it serves as a middleman for buyers and sellers. The platform is backed by a FanProtect guarantee, i.e., all tickets are valid and provided on time

How StubHub Works

StubHub is not a primary box office. It is a fan-to-fan ticket marketplace. It connects people who have tickets and can’t attend the events with the people who want to buy them. Stubhub facilitates transactions and provides the guarantee. Here’s how it works: 

For Sellers:

• Sellers list their tickets for sale and set their own price. 
• Once listed, the tickets are locked or held in Escrow to prevent double-selling.
• The seller is notified and must deliver the exact tickets listed upon the buyer’s purchase. 
• Seller transfers tickets via StubHub’s platform. 
• The seller receives payment after the event takes place, minus StubHub’s seller fee. This delay ensures that the tickets are valid. 

For Buyers:

• Buyers search for events and compare listings.
• Buyer pays the listed price plus service fees. 
• Tickets are delivered via the method specified in the listing. 
• The buyer uses the ticket to attend the event. 
• In case of any problem, StubHub offers a FanProtect guarantee. 

Reliability of StubHub Across Different Event Types

StubHub is generally a reliable and legitimate platform for all event types, such as sports, theater, and concerts. The platform’s reliability comes from its buyer protection policies, and payment safety measures. This section outlines StubHub’s reliability across different event types.

Is StubHub Legit for Concert Tickets?

Yes, StubHub is legit and safe for buying concert tickets. FanProtect is their core feature that backs the platform’s popularity. It ensures your concert tickets are authentic and valid for entry. 

As a buyer, you’ll receive your tickets before the show starts. However, if the seller fails to deliver or the tickets are invalid for the event, StubHub guarantees a comparable replacement. Or, it issues a full refund. 

Is StubHub Safe for NBA & Sports Tickets?

It is safe to buy NBA or NFL tickets through StubHub. Many professional teams and leagues have had direct partnerships with StubHub over the years. It makes the platform a go-to site for season ticket holders to resell unused seats. 

Sports tickets on StubHub are safer than concert tickets. This is mainly due to sports tickets being easier to transfer. Most NBA and MLB tickets are integrated directly with systems, such as the team’s app. This leads to Instant Downloads listing, where the barcode is verified by StubHub before you buy it.

Is Stubhub Legit for World Cup Tickets?

Yes, StubHub successfully handled tickets for the last three World Cups. All purchases are protected by the FanProtect guarantee. However, FIFA discourages resale outside of their official platform.

FIFA tickets are 100% digital in 2026 and tied to a specific FIFA account. StubHub implements a specific process for this:

• The platform offers you a temporary email address.
• You can use your email to create a new account for the FIFA World Cup app. 
• The seller transfers the tickets to that specific account. 
• You can then transfer your tickets from the holding account to your personal FIFA account. 

FIFA can theoretically cancel the ticket if it detects a suspicious transfer. In this case, StubHub will refund your money. However, they cannot reimburse you for your flights or hotels. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of Stubhub?

StubHub is generally a reliable platform. Similar to any other online service, it comes with its own pros and cons that you must consider before buying tickets from StubHub. Here’s a list of them:

Pros of StubHub

StubHub is among the most trusted marketplaces to get your tickets from, even if the event says sold out on the official website. Along with that, here’s a list of StubHub’s positives: 

• FanProtect Guarantee: StubHub finds a replacement if your tickets aren’t delivered, or gives a full refund. 
• Last Minute Ticket Availability: You can find tickets just minutes before an event starts. At times, you might get a good discount as well. 
• Global Reach: StubHub’s international presence makes it easier to navigate international ticket transfers compared to smaller local sites. 
• Interactive Seating Maps: You can choose the seats using StubHub’s 360-degree virtual views. 

Cons of StubHub

Despite StubHub’s high popularity, cons exist. Here are the common issues that users often face on StubHub:

• Replacement Ticket Policy: The replacement ticket policy will only try to find comparable seats. For example, if you paid for Row 5 and StubHub finds a seat at Row 15 at a similar price, you’ll get a replacement ticket for Row 5. 
• Transfer Delays: Some sellers don’t have the tickets in hand. You might buy tickets in March for a July show but not receive the digital transfer until 24 hours before the event, which can be nerve-wracking for travelers.
• Rescheduled Events: StubHub will not give a refund if the event was moved from Friday to Tuesday. Your only option is to relist and sell the ticket yourself.

Are Stubhub Tickets Guaranteed: 5 Tips to Ensure You Don’t Get Scammed

StubHub guarantees tickets via the FanProtect Guarantee. However, scams can happen. The best method to avoid scams is to buy the tickets from StubHub directly. Here are the five tips we recommend taking to ensure you don’t get scammed: 

1. Use a VPN: Ensure that you connect to a reliable VPN before buying/selling tickets on StubHub. Hackers primarily steal your data for monetary gains, and e-commerce sites are a target for them. We recommend connecting to iProVPN to safely sell or buy tickets.
2. Opt for Instant downloads and mobile transfers: Look for listings with the Instant Download badge. These tickets were uploaded and verified by StubHub’s system. Traditional Paper or UPS tickets have a higher risk of seller errors or shipping delays.
3. Avoid Moving the Transaction Off-Platform: It’s a scam if the seller asks you to pay via Venmo, Zelle, or Wire to save fees. StubHub cannot protect you if the money doesn’t flow through their secure checkout. 
4. Check the estimated fees toggle early: Enable the Show prices with estimated fees filter to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. This prevents you from rushing through a high-pressure checkout only to realize the final price is 35% higher than expected. 
5. Screenshot Everything: Keep a paper trail for digital transfers. Save your confirmation emails and take a screenshot of the Transfer Accepted screen in your Ticketmaster or FIFA app. This makes refund claims faster in case of scams.
6. Call Support From Venue: Do not leave if you’re at the gate and your ticket won’t scan. Call StubHub’s emergency customer support line immediately. They have dedicated Event Day teams that can pull new barcodes for you in real-time. 

Final Note

StubHub has been a legitimate and reliable site for over twenty years. You can find tickets to events because the site features individuals who often sell their tickets if they can’t make it. However, scams can happen if you do not take the safety measures. This article answered concerns regarding StubHub’s legitimacy and how to safely buy and sell tickets on the platform.