StubHub Revives IPO Plans with $16.5 Billion Valuation

StubHub, a ticket marketplace spun out of eBay in 2020, has revived its plans to go public with an initial public offering (IPO) in September. The company had delayed its IPO earlier this year due to tariff and economic concerns. StubHub's updated IPO prospectus shows improving financial metrics, with revenue growing 10% in Q1 and operating income increasing to $26.8 million. The company is seeking a $16.5 billion valuation.

StubHub, a prominent ticket marketplace, has reignited its plans to go public with an Initial Public Offering (IPO) scheduled for September. The company had temporarily paused its IPO ambitions earlier this year due to market volatility, primarily driven by new U.S. tariffs announced by President Donald Trump [1].

The latest development comes after StubHub filed an updated IPO prospectus on Monday, targeting a roadshow after Labor Day. The company aims to debut on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "STUB," although no specific price range has been disclosed. Prior to the pause, StubHub had been seeking a valuation of approximately $16.5 billion [1].

Financial data in the updated filing indicates mixed results for the first quarter of the year. Revenue grew by 10% year over year to $397.6 million, while operating income improved to $26.8 million from a loss in the previous year. However, the net loss widened to $35.9 million from $29.7 million. Gross merchandise sales (GMS) reached $2.08 billion for the quarter, representing a 15% increase year over year [1].

The revival of StubHub's IPO plans coincides with a thawing of the IPO market, which has been experiencing a prolonged slowdown due to inflation and higher interest rates. Several high-profile tech and growth companies have either filed or returned to public markets this year, signaling a potential opening for larger consumer-facing brands [1].

Founded in 2000, StubHub was acquired by eBay in 2007 for $310 million and later separated from the e-commerce company in 2020 when co-founder Eric Baker’s Viagogo reacquired it for $4 billion. The company remains a significant player in the secondary ticketing market, competing with primary ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster and resale rivals such as Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and TicketNetwork [1].

A September IPO would place StubHub in the spotlight during a crucial period for live entertainment, with late-year arena and stadium tours typically driving substantial transaction volumes. For consumers and industry stakeholders, the IPO would provide additional transparency about StubHub's business performance, addressing ongoing concerns regarding pricing, fees, and marketplace competition.

References:
[1] https://www.ticketnews.com/2025/08/stubhub-updates-ipo-prospectus-reviving-plans-after-pause/