Manchester United’s proposal to introduce personal seat licences (PSLs) to help fund the £2bn redevelopment of Old Trafford is under threat due to new government plans to curb ticket touting.
The club had been exploring a PSL model that would allow licence holders to resell their match or season tickets at a profit. However, the government has announced legislation that will ban reselling sports and music tickets above face value, aiming to eliminate inflated secondary markets.
Although football ticket resales are already illegal under the 1994 Criminal Justice Act, government sources say they would oppose any attempt by United to introduce a secondary market for PSLs. United has been consulting fans through an extensive survey conducted by CSL International, asking for feedback on the potential scheme.
A PSL would give fans the right to buy a specific seat at the new stadium for a set period, though the season ticket must still be purchased separately. PSLs are common in American sports, where they often hold significant resale value.
United sources say the consultation is still in early stages, but resale restrictions could make PSLs less attractive and force price adjustments. The licences are expected to apply only to premium seats, with holders guaranteed the same seat each season.
PSLs differ from debentures used at venues like Wimbledon and Twickenham, which act as loans to governing bodies. Government discussions suggest these debentures will not fall under new ticketing rules, but no talks have yet been held with United.
Reports indicate United was considering a £4,000 fee for a 30-year licence, though this may change if resale value is removed. The club declined to comment but said it will comply with all legal requirements.
