Photo credit: www.bbc.com

Arsenal Season Ticket Prices Rise Amid Supporter Discontent

The Arsenal Supporters Trust (AST) has expressed profound disappointment following the announcement of increased season ticket prices for the 2025-26 season. The adjustment sees a rise of 3% to 5%, which the club attributes to escalating costs, particularly a notable 40% hike in player wages over the past year.

The AST had actively advocated for a price freeze as part of the Stop Exploiting Loyalty campaign initiated by the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA). This initiative aims to address the growing financial burdens faced by match-going fans.

In a statement, the AST remarked, “While we recognize that costs are rising within football, especially concerning player remuneration and agent fees, we believe that Arsenal, along with other Premier League clubs, must take more substantial steps to alleviate these pressures rather than passing them onto supporters.”

Arsenal has defended its decision, stating that the new pricing structure was developed following “extensive supporter engagement.” The club also highlighted its commitment to maintaining concession ticket prices following input from the FSA.

In a public statement released on their website, Arsenal articulated their objectives: “Our focus remains on competing at the highest level across all competitions and securing major trophies. Achieving this necessitates significant investment in our teams amidst a backdrop of rising costs.”

Additionally, the club is rolling out a new 19-game season ticket option that will not include certain European fixtures, alongside a unique initiative to provide 1,000 free tickets throughout the season for the local community.

Despite these measures, Arsenal reported a financial loss of £17.1 million in their accounts for the 2023-24 fiscal year, even amid record revenue figures of £616.6 million. Over the last four years, the cumulative loss has reached £238 million.

Source
www.bbc.com