Several clubs, including Manchester City, have raised their ticket prices in recent years, leading to ongoing protests from fans against these increases.

On February 6, seven fan groups from Man City sent a joint letter to the club expressing their concerns over the ticket price hikes and the potential exclusion of local supporters. The letter, addressed to chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak, highlighted that the club has been making a profit every year since the 2014-15 season, except for the Covid-affected year.

Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser for Man City, shared with Football Insider that Premier League clubs are planning to double their matchday ticket prices within the next 10-15 years. Recently, Manchester United’s leadership faced criticism after raising the cost of tickets for members to £66 and eliminating concession prices for the remainder of the season.

Man United, Man City, Liverpool, and Everton all staged protests against the rising ticket prices in early December.

Football Insider reported on December 13 that Premier League ticket prices are expected to soar in the coming years, as top-flight clubs seek to significantly increase their matchday revenue.

Ticket Price Increases After Man City Controversy

Borson predicts that Man City fans’ protests will likely be ignored at the Etihad. He explained that clubs may raise prices by 5% each year, compounding over time, and in 10-15 years, ticket prices could double.

“That’s their goal,” he said. “If they freeze prices multiple times, they’re effectively lowering the price, which they don’t want to do.”

While acknowledging fan protests, Borson doubts they will lead to significant changes. He believes the club might freeze prices for a specific section of the stadium, but in general, prices will continue to rise.

This issue is not unique to City, he added; it’s something that will affect clubs nationwide. “Eventually, they may push too far,” he said.

The only thing that could limit ticket price increases, according to Borson, is the law of supply and demand.

“If clubs can’t sell tickets at their current prices, they’ll have to lower them,” he explained. “But as long as demand remains high, clubs will keep raising prices and ignore fan backlash.”