Ticketing platform StubHub erases gains to close below issue price in choppy NYSE debut

Company Overview - StubHub shares rose about 8% in their NYSE debut but closed 6.4% below the IPO price, valuing the company at $8.09 billion [1][2] - The company raised nearly $800 million by selling 34 million shares, pricing within the marketed range of $22 to $25 [3] Market Context - The IPO market has seen a resurgence this fall, with notable debuts from companies like Klarna and Figure, despite concerns over inflation and labor market issues [4] - StubHub's revenue grew 3% in the first half of 2025, which is lower than Live Nation's 6% growth during the same period [5] Competitive Landscape - StubHub's valuation is nearly double the $4.05 billion that viagogo paid to acquire it from eBay [2] - Rival Vivid Seats has seen a significant decline, down nearly 82% this year after a 27% drop last year, indicating challenges in the public market for ticket-selling platforms [6] Industry Trends - The ticket-selling industry is experiencing increased consumer demand for live events, but also heightened scrutiny regarding reseller practices, particularly following events like Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" [7]