Manchester United’s proposal to introduce personal seat licences (PSLs) as part of funding a £2bn Old Trafford redevelopment faces a major obstacle after the UK government moved to outlaw selling tickets above face value.
United’s PSL model — explored in a large-scale fan consultation — included allowing licence holders to resell their match or season tickets at a profit. But new legislation announced for next year’s king’s speech will ban inflated resale prices, limiting any secondary sales to face value.
Although football tickets are already covered by the 1994 Criminal Justice Act, government sources signalled they would oppose United creating any new secondary market through PSLs.
PSLs, common in US sports, give fans the right to buy a specific seat for a fixed period (with season tickets sold separately). The ability to resell the licence itself is a major attraction in American systems — but without profit potential, the value to supporters could drop, forcing United to rethink pricing. Reports suggest some licences could have cost around £4,000 for 30 years.
PSLs under consideration would apply only to premium areas, with licence holders keeping the same seat each year. If they fail to buy a season ticket, they lose the licence. United sources stress that plans are still in early stages and will comply with legislation.
The government has held discussions with sports bodies, confirming that existing schemes like Wimbledon and Twickenham debentures — structured as loans — won’t be affected. No such talks have taken place with United yet as their scheme is not active.
United declined to comment further but indicated they will follow all legal requirements.
