Manchester United’s proposal to sell personal seat licences (PSLs) to help fund a £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment has hit a major obstacle: new government plans to ban resale of sports and music tickets above face value.
United’s PSL model — still in early consultation — included a key feature: allowing licence holders to resell their match or season tickets at a profit, similar to the NFL’s thriving secondary PSL market. But new legislation, set for next year’s king’s speech, will restrict all resales to face value only, with government sources signalling they would oppose any attempt by United to create a profit-making secondary market.
The club surveyed hundreds of thousands of fans earlier this year about PSLs, which would give supporters the right to buy a specific seat for a set period — but at a cost separate from season tickets. PSLs would be limited to premium areas in the new stadium, offering long-term stability for fans frustrated by recent relocations.
However, removing the ability to resell licences at a profit could make PSLs far less attractive and may force United to reduce prices. Reports have suggested the club was considering £4,000 for a 30-year licence.
PSLs differ from debentures at venues like Wimbledon and Twickenham, which are structured as loans and therefore unlikely to fall under new secondary ticketing rules. Because United’s PSLs do not yet exist, no government discussions have taken place.
United declined to comment publicly but privately stated that the club will comply fully with any legislation.
