Manchester United’s proposal to introduce personal seat licences (PSLs) to help fund the £2bn redevelopment of Old Trafford is under threat following the government’s move to tighten laws on ticket touting.
The club’s PSL model, which could allow licence holders to resell their match or season tickets at a profit, conflicts with new legislation that will ban the resale of sports and music tickets above their original price. Although football already falls under the 1994 Criminal Justice Act, government officials signalled they would oppose any system resembling a secondary ticket market.
United has surveyed hundreds of thousands of fans about PSLs, which would grant the right to buy a specific seat at the new stadium for a set period, with the season ticket purchased separately. PSLs are common in American sports and often generate profits through resale.
Sources say the option to resell the licence was part of the model being explored, but restrictions on resale could reduce its attractiveness and force price adjustments. PSLs would be limited to premium seats, with licence holders guaranteed the same spot each season. If they fail to purchase their season ticket, the licence would be revoked.
Unlike debentures at Wimbledon or Twickenham—which function as long-term, interest-free loans—PSLs could be subject to stricter rules. Reports suggested United may charge £4,000 for a 30-year licence, though this could change.
United declined to comment but indicated it will comply with all legal requirements.
