Manchester United’s proposal to sell personal seat licences (PSLs) as part of funding their £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment has been thrown into doubt by the UK government’s new moves against ticket touting.
What United planned:
The club’s early PSL model – explored through a large fan consultation – included allowing licence holders to resell their seats or season tickets at a profit. PSLs would guarantee fans the right to buy the same seat every season for a set period, typically in premium areas, with resale adding potential investment value.
What government is doing:
New legislation, to be introduced in next year’s king’s speech, will ban selling tickets above face value for sport, music and arts events. While football ticket touting is already illegal, ministers have indicated they would oppose any move by United to create a profit-making secondary market for PSLs.
Originally, the government considered allowing a 30% resale markup. Now, only resale at original cost will be permitted.
Why this matters:
- A no-profit rule could make PSLs far less attractive to buyers.
- United may need to lower prices, including a reported £4,000 fee for a 30-year licence.
- The club’s project is still in early consultation, but government resistance could reshape or limit the scheme.
What United say:
The club declined to comment publicly but emphasised they will fully follow all legislation.
PSLs would only apply to the most premium seats, while regular areas remain for standard season-ticket holders. Holders who don’t buy a season ticket each year would lose the licence.
The situation remains fluid as the club evaluates how new legal restrictions might affect its stadium financing strategy.
