The Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust (NUST) has called on the club to freeze ticket prices and “recognise the financial strain many fans are facing”. NUST has written to Darren Eales, Newcastle’s chief executive, to express its “concern” at suggestions price rises are on the way at a time when the cost of living is already high.
Newcastle have been hemmed in by the Premier League’s
profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) and are looking to maximise their
revenue streams. With St James’ Park routinely sold out for matches, ticket
pricing is an obvious source.
NUST insists this would be a mistake, however, and believes
it would risk pricing out Newcastle’s most loyal and dedicated followers. “With the expiration of long-term season
ticket deals due for many supporters, we are concerned that the club may be
contemplating another price increase for the 2025-26 season,” the trust says in
its letter.
“At a time when supporters are already feeling the financial
strain of the rising cost of living, such an increase would place an even
greater burden on those who have been loyal to the club for years. We
anticipate that over 10,000 supporters will see their long-term deals come to
an end during the 2024-2025 season. The additional income generated from these
renewals alone should see revenue increase to a level that means increases
elsewhere are unnecessary.
“The Newcastle United Supporters Trust calls on the club to
freeze both season ticket and member ticket prices for next season,
particularly in light of the ongoing economic challenges faced by many of our
supporters. We ask that the club put the welfare of its fanbase first, ensuring
that attending matches remains affordable and accessible to all who wish to be
part of the St James’ Park experience.”
The letter adds: “Football should be about community, about
shared experiences, and about fans standing side by side with their team – not
about taking advantage of the unwavering commitment that supporters have shown
over decades.”
NUST points out that “with Premier League television
and commercial revenue up 17 per cent to £12.25billion ($15.1bn) for the
2025-2028 cycle, many supporters will question why they need to be out of
pocket when presented with such staggering figures”.
From the club’s point of view they have a long waiting list
for season tickets and fans want the team to be competitive. Football clubs with large staffs like
Newcastle will be hit by the increase in National Insurance payments by employers
from April. Utility costs have also
been rising above the headline inflation rate.
There is a real dilemma here.
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