'Unanimously reject' - Newcastle United face backlash for season ticket price increases

Newcastle United are facing a fan backlash after announcing a 5% increase in season ticket prices - with the club’s own fan advisory board ‘rejecting’ the decision.

The Magpies have upped the price of all non-concession and junior tickets despite already pocketing a huge uplift in revenues from fans dropping off the 10-year price freeze deals handed out by former owner Mike Ashley.

The rises come as a real kick in the teeth for those who stuck by the club through thick and thin.

Announcing the news, in a statement, the club said: “We would like to inform our fans about our season ticket pricing information for the 2025/26 season at St. James' Park. The summary headlines are: Season ticket prices, across the stadium, will increase 5% from the 2024/25 standard pricing. Junior ticket prices will remain frozen, as last season. We will continue to offer all concession pricing."

And it’s fair to say the news has not gone down well with FAB. In a statement reacting to the news they hit out at the club for a lack of consultation on the rises, claiming they were “hugely disappointed” the club did not inform them of their intentions.

Their statement read: “We unanimously reject the decision by the club to raise adult season ticket prices by 5% for the third consecutive season.

“Against the backdrop of the long-term deal ending, and the announcement made by the club earlier this week regarding improved financial performance for the year to 30 June 2024, we reject the choice made by the club to increase the cost of all adult season tickets by a further 5%. Our position remains that there should be no further increases on top of the end of the long-term freeze.

“We are hugely disappointed and request full consultation on all other ticketing decisions. This includes, individual match tickets, cup scheme and memberships.”

The news comes after Darren Eales gleefully announced record revenues in the club’s 2023-24 accounts on Tuesday.

Revenues totalled around £320million. Commercial revenue increased 90%, while matchday revenue was up 32%.

Explaining the increase in prices, Eales said the decision was a reluctant one, but one that was unavoidable.

Why are Newcastle United raising season ticket prices?

Newcastle United's CEO said: “Raising ticket prices is a decision we make reluctantly but it is one that is unavoidable if we are to keep pace and build towards our collective ambitions.

“In a world of profit and sustainability rules, we must continue to face up to challenging decisions and find a balance that keeps football affordable while ensuring the club is able to compete. Without this approach, achieving the sustainable success we all crave simply becomes impossible.

“We continue to relentlessly pursue other revenue opportunities, and we have achieved rapid commercial growth to fuel our progress, as well as offsetting growing operational costs.

“I want to recognise the huge role our season ticket holders continue to play in making St. James' Park a fortress. We understand price rises are difficult, and we have therefore taken steps to ensure there is even greater flexibility around payments.

“Our ongoing commitment to affordable football is reflected in our pricing for league and cup matches at St. James' Park. We continue to fair very favourably against other clubs in domestic and European competitions, and in comparison to other elite sports and entertainment events. That commitment remains.

“I want to acknowledge the club's Fan Advisory Board members for their clear feedback. I am sorry that this is not the universal price freeze you asked for, but I hope you understand why this is a decision we must take after careful consideration.

“I thank all of you sincerely for your continued support and hope as many season ticket holders as possible will join us for another exciting season."

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