English Premier League fans feel the pinch from ticket price hikes

LONDON – The English Premier League’s global appeal is built on packed stadiums and electric atmospheres but as the arms race for talent intensifies, fans are feeling the pinch.

A recent report by European football governing body UEFA found that English football’s “Big Six” – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – earned nearly 20 per cent more from selling tickets for home matches in the 2024-25 season than 12 months before.

Revenue from bumper broadcasting deals and commercial sponsorship still provides the vast majority of income for Premier League teams.

But as the growth in TV money has slowed, clubs have focused on increasing match-day revenue, with many investing in stadium renovations and expansions, promising improved facilities and better experiences.

Fans pay the price, particularly local supporters, as clubs target tourists from far and wide who are willing to pay a premium.

In wealthy west London, Fulham boast a rooftop pool and top-grade catering in the hospitality section, but season tickets are among the most expensive in the league, priced at up to £3,000 (S$5,119).

“The Riverside Stand is a great asset... but it’s expensive for your average match-going fan,” said Simon Duke of the Fulham Supporters’ Trust.

“In having this fantastic asset, thank you owners, but can you please use that to keep football affordable in the other three sides of the ground?”

Liverpool sparked outrage last week by announcing that prices will rise in line with inflation for the next three seasons. Supporters’ union Spirit of Shankly said the club “choose to disregard those who make LFC what it is”.

Major expansions of Anfield have increased capacity to 61,000 but there are just 34,000 season tickets available. That allows the Reds to sell nearly 50 per cent of tickets on a match-by-match basis, often targeting day trippers willing to spend more on merchandise, food and drink.

“You look at the yield per fan, per match,” said football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

“You’re going to get more from a person that’s coming for an experience as opposed to some grumpy old bloke who’s been doing it for 50 years.”

Hospitality packages can cost several thousand pounds per game, with the most expensive option for City’s upcoming clash against league leaders Arsenal available for £5,500.

A report by campaign group Fair Game highlighted the long-term risk clubs are taking.

“Some clubs are looking at their stadium and seeing each seat as an individual opportunity to raise money,” said chief executive officer Niall Couper.

“If the club wants to be there for the long haul, and to be financially sustainable, then actually keeping ticket prices at an affordable level and allowing access to your local community is a safer way to go.”

Supporters, young and old, have also been squeezed by a loss of concessions.

United are increasing prices of season tickets by 5 per cent for the third consecutive year and halving senior citizens’ discounts for some fans.

Despite the unrest, Premier League clubs boasted average attendances of just over 40,000 last season, with stadiums nearly 99 per cent full. However, cracks have appeared in recent months.

Spurs have failed to sell out their 63,000-capacity stadium on Champions League nights.

“Too many empty seats and too many supporters priced out of attending,” the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said in a statement.

Meanwhile in related news, more than 75 per cent of Premier League fans do not support the continued use of video assistant referees (VAR), a Football Supporters’ Association survey revealed.

The survey saw almost 8,000 fans of top-flight clubs participate.

The results showed that 75.7 per cent did not support the use of VAR in football, with 91.7 per cent also saying VAR has removed the spontaneous joy of goal celebrations.

AFP, REUTERS