Newcastle United fan groups issue a statement this week criticising the club’s decision to raise ticket prices again.
The Magpies have announced a third consecutive year of season ticket price hikes for adult season ticket holders, leaving the club’s supporter groups “incredibly disappointed”.
NUFC Fan Advisory Board said: “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 future ticketing decisions. This includes, individual match tickets, cup schemes and memberships.”
“People will sacrifice things in their lives to prioritise supporting their team and the club are exploiting this.” – fan groups condemn third consecutive year of season ticket price hikes for adult season ticket holders at @NUFC #NUFC https://t.co/RtEJD5ivST
— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) March 7, 2025
They said: “We are incredibly disappointed by this news of another 5% increase.
“The club was already benefitting off approximately 10,000 Season Tickets increasing upwards of 60%; they did not need to add more on top of this.
“We appreciate that demand will be high, and we know the majority will renew. People will sacrifice things in their lives to prioritise supporting their team and the club are exploiting this.
“Clearly in the communication released by the club they have ignored the requests of the Fan Advisory Board, which immediately brings into question how seriously they take feedback from supporters on something that impacts us the most.
“Season Tickets in the Gallowgate End will be more expensive next season than most seats in The Kop at the presumed Champions of England, Liverpool. This is a completely unnecessary and unfair price increase.
“The cost of being a football fan doesn’t just end at the price of a ticket, it costs more than ever before to follow your team with the impact of late fixture changes, unsociable kick-off times and rising travel costs. Clubs fail to recognise this.
“Brentford, Liverpool, West Ham and Wolves led the way with freezing their prices. We could, and should, have followed them. #StopExploitingLoyalty”
Statement from NUFC fan groups on #NUFC choice to increase season tickets by 5%. @Nusc2023 @NUFCFAB @worflags @TheLondonMags @UtdwithPride @BNWARMY_ @tfNUFC @WeAreTheFSA #stopexploitingloyalty pic.twitter.com/xXFgQAaZue
— Newcastle United Supporters Trust (@nufctrust) March 6, 2025
The club’s chief executive Darren Eales 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.”
Fans explain why more and more are now turning to non league instead of watching the higher levels
Newcastle United are the second club this week to announce an increase in season ticket prices, after Arsenal said they would increase season tickets between 3% and 5% for 2025-26.
“We understand that costs are increasing across football, especially for player wages and agent fees, but feel that Arsenal and all Premier League clubs should be making greater efforts to control these pressures rather than relying on supporters to take the strain,” Arsenal Supporters’ Trust said.
Before that Brentford, Liverpool, West Ham and Wolves had all announced that they would be freezing season ticket prices at 2024-25 levels.
Twitter users gave their reaction as Newcastle fan groups issue a statement criticising the club’s decision to raise ticket prices…
@DeanAVFCL7: It’s getting beyond a joke now
@S_Davisonn: Every single “If you won’t pay it then I will” should result in being ostracized from the fan base and an immediate stadium ban. It’s absolutely sickening what this club and fanbase are rapidly becoming! #NUFC #StopExploitingLoyalty
@davren009: I’d have liked to see a price freeze but at the end of the day if you can charge 20% more and still near enough sell out then you’d be foolish to hamper yourself. If club aims to improve all aspects by 5% then surely we get to where we want to be quicker
@lovetheturret: This just feels naive. NUFC could increase prices 25% and they’d still sell out. A rise with inflation isn’t ’exploiting loyalty.’ No one on fixed deal offered to pay more when they bought for Jeff Hendrick and got Sandro Tonali.
@GeordieKermit9: If you can afford to go then don’t. People who have tickets now replaced those who couldnt afford modern day football prices. This is only the start. Due to the cartel and PSR we will be expected to pay similar prices to Arsenal and Spuds in the near future
@AdamP1242: Very strong statement from Newcastle United’s Supporters Trust regarding season ticket prices. As previously mentioned from myself, while I do think it is excessive and the club could of avoided it, reality is I’m still going to buy it and the club knows that 🤷🏻♂️ #NUFC
@JordanRob86: Disappointed that the club has took this stance! It really isn’t needed!! There’s plenty of growth to be had bringing in commercial revenue without exploiting the loyalty of the fans
@bennington89: The club blame everything on PSR. I’m sorry but if you actually got stadium sponsors, training ground sponsors and got rid of the deadwood players on high wages that will deffo help. Oh and the fact you haven’t strengthened the team in 3 windows. #NUFC
@Bladesam1983: Unfortunately the majority of Newcastle fans were happy with the club being taken over – this was always going to happen – expect it to continually go up. Football is dead to the masses, it’s now for the rich. They won.
@Villa_Trust: Football is for the fans, but rising prices are pushing them away. Clubs must stop pricing loyal supporters out of the game and start meaningful consultation. #StopExploitingLoyalty
@NUFCNews24: #StopExploitingLoyalty I’m a season ticket holder & I DO NOT agree with the Newcastle United Supporters group slogan. I’m happy with the 5% increase because that’s life. I agree some may struggle but there’s always the direct debit option, Now over 12 month. 👌
@DetritusBramble: Higher ST prices. Older/more international match-going fanbase. Worse atmosphere. Year on year. Repeat to fade. That’s the future, not just for us either… 🫠
https://t.co/2H1ypU0va6 pic.twitter.com/R2sa09Fj0N
— Wor Flags 🏴🏳 (@worflags) March 6, 2025
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