UFC Signs Deal With StubHub

Dana White recently signed a deal with StubHub, an eBay owned ticket resaler, as the UFC's sole fan-to-fan ticket seller. Such a deal is a definitive indication of the growing popularity of Mixed Martial Arts as StubHub, working on commission as a marketplace, would only want venues which were sure to sell out as higher ticket prices would turn into a larger return if the site takes a fixed percentage, and a higher volume of transactions would turn into a larger return if the site takes a fixed dollar amount for each ticket sold. In addition to StubHub, White signed a deal with PrimeSports as its primary ticket package partner to offer higher end ticket deals including VIP seating, transportation, lodging, and after parties similar to other mainstream sports, most notably boxing. Although StubHub hasn't disclosed its ticket sales for UFC events they did say that their current 2008 sales have already exceeded the total sales for 2007. Considering the demographic of UFC fans it seems to reason that White would not bother with upscale ticket packaging if he were not trying to entice fans outside the current demographic, despite what he may say at press conferences. The better news is that since the current demographic is M18-34, StubHub should have no problem with computer literacy and fans embracing the internet as a viable means to attaining tickets.

http://sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/58830