As a season ticket holder for a sports team or entertainment venue, you have guaranteed access to tickets for every home game or show that season. This provides great benefits like reserved seating and potential discounts on the overall cost of tickets. However, there may be times when you can’t attend a particular event. In these cases, you might want to sell those tickets so they don’t go to waste. But can you legally sell your season tickets as a holder?
The short answer is yes, season ticket holders can sell tickets to individual games or shows. However, there are some important caveats to keep in mind. The ability to sell tickets differs between leagues and venues. There are restrictions in place to prevent predatory pricing and protect both fans and the team/performers.
NFL Policy
The NFL has a league-wide policy that permits season ticket holders to sell their tickets. According to the NFL’s 2022 ticket resale policy, season ticket holders can resell their tickets on the official NFL Ticket Exchange marketplace. Sellers can list their tickets for sale at any price they choose on the NFL Ticket Exchange.
There are some limits in place. Season ticket holders cannot sell their renewal rights or the entire bundle of season tickets to another party. The ability to renew season tickets and associated privileges like seat location is non-transferrable. Additionally, season ticket holders cannot sell tickets to more than 165 games over any three-year span.
The NFL Ticket Exchange provides a safe, convenient platform for season ticket holders to resell tickets while preventing scalping and unfair pricing. Sellers pay a small commission fee on each completed sale.
Benefits of the NFL Ticket Exchange
Here are some benefits for season ticket holders using the NFL Ticket Exchange to resell tickets:
- Tickets are guaranteed valid – No risk of fraud or canceled orders
- Convenient online platform to manage listings and sales
- Fair value with dynamic, market-based ticket pricing
- Fee structure disclosed upfront for sellers
- Ticket barcodes refreshed after each sale to prevent duplicate scans
The NFL Ticket Exchange provides season ticket holders with a legitimate, controlled marketplace to sell their tickets. It offers significant advantages over alternative resale sites or individual sellers.
MLB Policy
MLB also permits season ticket holders to sell tickets on a league-sanctioned online marketplace. MLB’s Ticket Resale Policy authorizes season ticket holders to resell tickets on StubHub, the Official Ticket Marketplace of MLB.
Season ticket holders can list tickets for sale at any price on StubHub. Similar to the NFL, MLB prohibits the outright sale or transfer of season ticket accounts. Season ticket privileges like seat locations, discounts, and renewal rights are non-transferrable.
In some cases, MLB teams may impose additional limits on the number of games that a season ticket holder can resell tickets for. This helps preserve value and prevent broker-like activity. Check with your MLB team’s ticket office for any specific limits on the resale amount.
Benefits of StubHub for MLB Sellers
Here are some key features of StubHub for MLB season ticket holders reselling tickets:
- Seamless listing and sales process
- Competitive fees compared to other marketplaces
- Tools to optimize ticket prices and sellability
- Secure sales and delivery of tickets to buyers
- Guarantee program for invalid or canceled tickets
As with the NFL Ticket Exchange, StubHub offers MLB season ticket holders a legitimate, controlled solution for reselling tickets. Both buyers and sellers benefit from features that maximize fairness, security and value.
NBA Policy
The NBA also permits season ticket holders to resell tickets on approved secondary marketplaces. According to the NBA’s Ticket Resale Policy for the 2022-2023 season, teams can authorize season ticket holders to resell tickets on a team-approved exchange or platform.
Many NBA teams work with Ticketmaster or AXS as their official resale marketplace. Season ticket holders can conveniently list and sell tickets through those sites and mobile apps. Certain teams also authorize other large marketplaces like StubHub. Check with your NBA team for the specifically approved sites.
As with other leagues, season ticket privileges are non-transferable in the NBA. Season ticket holders cannot sell or assign their entire package or account to another party. There are also typically limits on the number of games that a season ticket holder can resell tickets for over the course of a season.
Benefits of NBA Authorized Resale Marketplaces
NBA-approved resale platforms offer season ticket holders certain advantages for reselling tickets:
- Easy listing and sales interface
- Guaranteed valid tickets
- Potential to optimize pricing and sell timing
- Convenient digital ticket delivery
- Avoiding box office sell fees
NBA teams work closely with authorized vendors to create safe, reliable resale exchanges for season ticket holders’ extra tickets.
NHL Policy
NHL teams take a localized approach to season ticket holder ticket resale policies. Each NHL team establishes their own rules and designated marketplaces for ticket resales by season ticket holders.
Many NHL teams partner with Ticketmaster Resale or AXS Resale as their official secondary ticket marketplace. Season ticket holders for those teams can conveniently resell tickets on their team’s co-branded marketplace.
Some NHL teams also authorize broader third-party marketplaces like StubHub for ticket resales. Season ticket holders should carefully review their team’s official resale policy for the allowed sites.
As with other leagues, NHL season ticket privileges like seat locations, discounts and renewal rights cannot be transferred or sold to another party. Individual game tickets can be resold within the parameters of the team’s policy.
Benefits of NHL Authorized Resale Platforms
Here are some potential benefits for NHL season ticket holders reselling tickets on approved exchanges:
- Trusted platform authorized by your NHL team
- Seamless selling experience
- Potential for optimal pricing
- Avoidance of box office fees
- Convenient digital ticket delivery
NHL teams aim to provide season ticket holders with reliable resale solutions for individual games. Check your team’s website for full details on authorized exchanges.
MLS Policy
Major League Soccer also allows season ticket holders to resell tickets on approved secondary marketplaces. According to the MLS 2022 ticketing policies, teams can designate one or more authorized resale platform.
Many MLS teams work with SeatGeek as their official resale marketplace for ticket resales. Season ticket holders for those teams can conveniently list and sell through the club’s customized SeatGeek portal.
Some MLS teams additionally authorize certain secondary marketplaces like StubHub for ticket resales by season holders. Check your MLS club’s website for their specific list of approved exchanges.
As with other leagues, MLS season ticket accounts and privileges cannot be transferred or sold in their entirety. Only individual game tickets can be resold within the team’s guidelines. There are also typically limits on the number of games season ticket holders can resell over the course of a season.
Benefits of MLS Authorized Resale Platforms
Here are some of the benefits MLS season ticket holders can gain from reselling on a team-approved exchange:
- Simple selling process through authorized platform
- Potential for optimal ticket prices
- Avoidance of box office fees
- Guaranteed valid ticket sales
- Convenient digital ticket delivery
MLS teams aim to provide reliable, convenient resale options for season ticket holders with unused tickets. Check with your club for their official policy.
Broadway and Theater Shows
For Broadway shows and other theater performances, season ticket holder resale policies can vary between venues, shows, and producers. Many theaters prohibit reselling of season ticket packages outright. However, individual show tickets may be transferrable.
Season ticket holders should carefully review the resale policy details that come with their subscription packages. There are often restrictions against reselling tickets for a profit above face value. Some policies only allow transfers between family and friends.
If individual show resales are permitted, season ticket holders may be able to list tickets through authorized marketplaces like Ticketmaster Resale. This offers a convenient way for season holders to recoup value on unused tickets.
Of course, policies can differ widely for Broadway and theater shows. Season ticket holders should confirm directly with the venue or show producer about their specific resale rules before listing tickets.
Concerts and Music Events
For concerts, comedy shows, and other live music events, season ticket holder resale policies depend on the artist, promoter, and venue. Many tours prohibit reselling of season ticket packages or multi-show voucher packages. This protects the privileges and scarcity value of those offerings.
However, season ticket holders may be allowed to resell unused tickets to individual performances. This is more common than full package reselling. There are typically limits in place, like only allowing sales through authorized exchanges or capping resale amounts.
Promoters like Live Nation often partner with Ticketmaster Resale as the official resale marketplace. Season ticket holders for eligible tours and shows can resell through that platform. Resale policies are tailored for each tour based on artist preferences.
Smaller shows, venues, and promoters are less likely to authorize resale marketplaces. For any concert or music event, season ticket holders need to consult the specific resale policy provided with their package. This will outline if and how unused tickets can be resold.
Resale Platform Fees
When reselling tickets on authorized secondary marketplaces, season ticket holders will incur commission fees on completed sales. This covers costs for the resale platform.
Here are some examples of common resale marketplace fees:
- NFL Ticket Exchange – 15% seller fee
- StubHub – 15% seller fee
- Ticketmaster Resale – 20% seller fee
- AXS Resale – 20% seller fee
- SeatGeek – 15% seller fee
Platforms may offer subscription packages or bonuses that slightly reduce the fees. Overall, expect to pay 10-20% of your ticket resale price in commissions and service fees. These fees are deducted from the final proceeds.
Resale platforms also charge buyer fees, so the total ticket cost is higher for purchasers. Buyer fees help ensure season ticket holders can maximize resale revenue.
Transferring Tickets
For MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS teams that authorize digital ticketing, season ticket holders can conveniently transfer sold tickets to buyers online. This is handled through the team’s ticketing site or app.
For NFL teams, sold tickets can be electronically transferred from season ticket holders’ accounts to buyers on the NFL Ticket Exchange site. No printed ticket is required.
For other events with paper tickets, season ticket holders will need to physically deliver sold tickets to the buyer. Overnight shipping with tracking is recommended for sold paper tickets.
Digital ticketing provides significantly more convenience, security, and ease for season ticket holders reselling tickets online. Fans benefit from instant, guaranteed valid ticket delivery as well.
Are There Risks?
There are some risks to be aware of when reselling season tickets individually:
- Buyer fraud – Chargebacks, fake funds, etc.
- Lost delivery of paper tickets
- Canceled events
- Policy violations resulting in account suspensions
- Tax implications of resale income
Using authorized resale platforms minimizes many of these risks through buyer screening, guaranteed delivery, and commission withholding. However, sellers still need to exercise caution when reselling high-demand, high-value event tickets.
Season ticket holders also face account suspend risks if they violate resale amount limits, use unapproved sites, or engage in predatory pricing outside of a team or venue’s policy. Carefully following all resale rules can help avoid issues.
Alternatives to Resale
Instead of reselling, season ticket holders do have some alternative options for unused tickets:
- Return for Account Credit – Some teams/venues allow a limited number of ticket returns for account credit on future tickets.
- Gift to Friends/Family – Season ticket holders can transfer tickets to friends and family members to use.
- Donate to Charity – Tickets can potentially be donated to non-profit organizations, military groups, hospitals, etc.
- Leave Unused – Season holders could simply not resell or use unused tickets if foregoing the money is acceptable.
These alternatives avoid the risks and effort of reselling through secondary marketplaces. Teams may also give account credits or other benefits for unused tickets. Check with your team or venue on unused ticket policies.
Consult Your Season Ticket Agreement
If you are unsure about your ability to resell tickets as a season ticket holder, carefully consult your original season ticket purchase agreement, invoice, renewal forms, and any other provided policies. This legally binding paperwork will outline the official resale policy from the team, league, theater, or venue.
Some packages prohibit resales entirely, only allow transfers to family and friends, or spell out specific marketplace rules. Season ticket accounts are also subject to revocation if holders break resale policies. Carefully review and follow the rules before listing any tickets for sale online or offline.
You can also contact your team or venue’s Season Ticket Member Services team for assistance. They can explain the policy and answer any questions about properly reselling unused tickets. Season ticket reps want holders to maximize value from unused tickets, so they will gladly help navigate approved options.
Conclusion
Season ticket holders for major sports teams and entertainment venues typically can resell unused tickets to individual events, within defined policy limits. Listing tickets through authorized resale marketplaces offers convenience and protection against fraud. Be aware of applicable fees. Carefully review and follow the resale policy for your specific season ticket package before listing any tickets for sale online or through secondary channels.