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 measures targeting ticket touting.
The club’s initial PSL model would have allowed licence holders to resell match or season tickets at a profit, but upcoming legislation will ban the resale of sports and music tickets above face value. Although football already has restrictions under the 1994 Criminal Justice Act, government officials have signalled they would oppose any secondary market connected to United’s PSL scheme.
United has been consulting fans through a large survey conducted by CSL International. A PSL would give supporters the right to buy a specific seat for a set period, though they would still need to purchase a season ticket each year. While popular in US sports, particularly the NFL, PSLs often rely on strong resale potential to attract buyers.
Sources say the option to resell licences was part of United’s early planning, but a profit ban could make PSLs less appealing and force price adjustments. The licences are expected to cover only premium seating, guaranteeing holders the same spot every season. However, failing to buy the annual season ticket would result in losing the licence.
Unlike debentures at Wimbledon or Twickenham—which operate as long-term loans—PSLs are not considered investments that get repaid. Government discussions with sports bodies suggest debentures will not be affected by new rules, but no talks have been held with United because PSLs have not yet launched.
Reports have suggested United planned to charge £4,000 for a 30-year licence, a price that may change if resale value is removed.
United declined to comment but has indicated it will comply with all legislation.
