Has the World Cup broken dynamic pricing?

About this episode

The episode explores the implications of dynamic pricing in live events, particularly in the context of the World Cup.

This week, Michelle, Rahul and Will explore the world of dynamic pricing, where prices go up when demand is high and come down when demand drops. It’s already standard in travel and hospitality. Now, it’s expanding into live events, and this year, it reached the World Cup. Supporters say it’s simple economics, charging what people are willing to pay. Critics argue it risks pricing ordinary fans out of the experiences they love. So how does dynamic pricing really work? Why has it become one of the most controversial trends in live entertainment? And as organisers push to maximise revenue, are we seeing the future of events, or the point where fans push back? Hosts: Will Bain, Michelle Fleury and Rahul Tandon Producer: Rebecca Smyllie (Picture: The 2026 FIFA World Cup logo is placed over the original logo of the Hard Rock stadium in Miami, Florida, USA. Credit: CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA/Shutterstock)

People in this episode

Hosts: Michelle, Rahul, Will

Topics covered

• dynamic pricing
• live events
• World Cup
• economics
• fan experience

Keywords

• dynamic pricing
• World Cup
• live events
• economics
• fan experience
• ticket pricing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC World Service

Places: Miami, Florida, USA

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