Manchester United’s plan to introduce personal seat licences (PSLs) to help finance the £2bn redevelopment of Old Trafford is facing challenges due to the government’s crackdown on ticket touting.
The proposed PSL model, which would allow licence holders to resell their match or season tickets at a profit, is now at risk after the government announced new legislation that will ban the resale of sports and music tickets above their original price. Earlier proposals suggested capping resale prices at 30% above face value, but the government has instead opted for a full price limit to combat touting more effectively.
Although football was not included in the draft legislation because secondary ticket sales are already illegal under the 1994 Criminal Justice Act, government officials have indicated they would oppose any attempt by United to create a secondary market for PSLs. The club has been surveying fans about PSLs through a large-scale study conducted by CSL International. The survey was sent to hundreds of thousands of season-ticket holders and members, with tailored questions for different fan groups.
A PSL would grant supporters the right to purchase a specific seat at the new stadium for a designated period, though the season ticket itself would still need to be bought separately. PSLs are widely used in American sports, especially the NFL, where they are often resold for substantial profits.
Sources at United have confirmed that the model under consideration includes the option to resell the licence, though the consultation is still in its early stages. While banning profitable resale would not eliminate the possibility of PSLs, it could make them less appealing and force the club to lower prices.
PSLs are expected to be used only for the most premium sections of the new stadium, with other seats reserved for general fans. Licence holders would be guaranteed the same seat every season, addressing concerns from long-term season-ticket holders who have faced relocations. However, if a licence holder fails to purchase their season ticket, the licence would be revoked.
PSLs differ from debentures used at venues like Wimbledon and Twickenham, which function as interest-free loans to governing bodies in exchange for ticket-buying rights. Wimbledon debentures are repaid after five years, while Twickenham debentures are repaid after 75 years. Some Twickenham holders have even been asked to waive future repayments to support the Rugby Football Union. Government discussions with sporting bodies suggest that debentures are unlikely to fall under new secondary ticketing rules because they are loan-based and support the sport directly. No discussions have been held with United, as PSLs are not yet in place.
Reports suggest United considered pricing PSLs at £4,000 for a 30-year term, though this may change if resale value is restricted.
United declined to comment, but club sources emphasised that they will follow all legal requirements.
