Manchester United’s proposal to introduce personal seat licences (PSLs) to help finance a £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment has been jeopardized by new government plans to ban ticket resales above face value.
United had explored a PSL system that would allow licence holders to resell their match or season tickets at a profit — similar to US sports models, where PSLs are a major investment tool. But upcoming legislation will prohibit selling sports and music tickets for more than their original price, part of a crackdown on touting.
Although football ticket resales are already restricted under the 1994 Criminal Justice Act, government officials signaled they’d oppose any attempt by United to create a sanctioned PSL resale market.
The club has surveyed hundreds of thousands of fans on PSLs, which would give supporters long-term rights to buy specific premium seats but would still require purchasing season tickets separately. PSLs would apply only to exclusive areas, while general seating would remain for regular supporters.
Early proposals suggested licences could cost around £4,000 for 30 years, but removing the ability to resell at a profit could force United to rethink pricing. The club insists it will meet all legal requirements as consultations continue.
