Season ticket holders feel priced out as Premier League clubs raise fees
Fans across the Premier League say rising season-ticket costs and new digital restrictions are deliberately excluding loyal supporters.
Research by Daniel Fitzpatrick and Mark Turner reveals a growing sentiment among season-ticket holders that clubs are deliberately pricing them out rather than merely exploiting them. Fourteen Premier League clubs raised season-ticket prices for the 2026/27 season, often outpacing inflation, while five clubs kept prices unchanged. Manchester United’s recent ban of 685 season tickets during a ticket-touting investigation sparked protests and accusations of heavy-handed tactics.
Experts argue clubs now prioritize one-off, higher-spending fans, likening the trend to a “Disneyification” that favors tourism over traditional family attendance. Digital ticketing changes also limit fans’ ability to share tickets, adding to dissatisfaction. The Football Supporters’ Association has launched a “Stop Exploiting Loyalty” campaign to highlight the issue.
Why it matters
Rising ticket costs threaten long-time fans' ability to attend matches, reshaping football's community base.
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