Club chief says an ‘anomaly’ some 2025/26 Newcastle United season tickets go up by 60% | OneFootball

On Thursday (6 March 2025), the prices of 2025/26 Newcastle United season tickets were revealed.

The club making an official announcement (see below) that adults would be paying 5% more for their 2025/26 Newcastle United season ticket prices compared to the current 2024/25 season.

That is, apart from the many thousands of fans who will be paying hundreds of pounds more for their Newcastle United season tickets next season.

A percentage rise far above the 5% rise for others.

Interesting then to look back at what Newcastle United Chief Operating Officer Brad Miller said at a meeting with fans back in November 2024.

Miller was one of the Newcastle United hierarchy who met the club chosen members of the NUFC Fan Advisory Board (FAB).

When the minutes (see below) of that meeting were eventually made public to the wider Newcastle United fanbase, that was when it was revealed/confirmed that the Mike Ashley cheap season ticket deals could and would now eventually be ended by the current Newcastle United owners, who had been left so frustrated by yet another Ashley legacy that was making it more difficult for them to grow the club, on and off the pitch.

No official figures released but believed to be around half the current 31,000 or so season ticket holders who have been paying the same amount for their Newcastle United season tickets, the same price as they were up to 14 years ago!

So with all of the Mike Ashley long-term season ticket deals coming to an end at the conclusion of this current season, the club saying that finally they will be able to fairly charge season ticket holders sitting in the same areas the same price.

Due to having been still tied into the Mike Ashley deals after the Newcastle United owners bought the club, a season ticket holder could be paying hundreds of pounds more than somebody sitting next to them.

Those FAB minutes (see below) including ‘Chief Operating Officer Brad Miller accepted that because the price for a ten-year season ticket was set 14 years ago, the percentage price increase from a 2011/12 price to a 2025/26 price would be an anomaly compared to last season’s 5% rise for standard adult season tickets. However, it is a necessary step to bring parity between season ticket holders in equivalent seats.’

One of the FAB members, Paul Karter, admitted that he is currently paying 56% less than his sister who sits in the same area of St James’ Park, thanks to him being on a Mike Ashley cheap deal and his sibling paying the full proper price. So when you then factor in the now 5% price rise for next season on all adult Newcastle United season tickets, there will be fans who have been on these ridiculously cheap deals compared to other fans sitting next to them, now seeing an increase of up to around 60% for next season.

The minutes from that November FAB meeting made public on Tuesday 3 December 2024 and included the following:

‘Newcastle United Head of Ticketing Chris Parkinson gave a presentation on ticketing operations, outlining the following:

The final grouping of ‘long term season ticket deals, which were introduced in 2011, will conclude as scheduled this season. The previous grouping ended in 2022.

Season ticket pricing for 2025/26 has not been finalised just yet but this will be communicated in due course.

Direct Debits for supporters on the ten-year deal will end in February

Newcastle United Head of Ticketing Chris Parkinson outlined the benchmarking the club does in relation to other Premier League clubs to ensure pricing remains fair and competitive.

Newcastle United had the cheapest season tickets for the 2024/25 season in comparison with other Premier League clubs and the club’s most expensive season ticket ranked middle of the table when compared to other Premier League clubs most expensive Season Ticket.

FAB member Marion Williams questioned whether ticket pricing makes a difference to clubs against the wider context of money generated through broadcast and commercial deals, stating price increases in football could generally be seen to be exploiting loyalty.

NUFC Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone explained that ticket pricing – as with all other revenue – does have a material impact on the club’s ability to keep pace with rival clubs.

FAB member Marion Williams suggested the club needs more options for discounted prices and to generate its revenue in a different way.

Chief Operating Officer Brad Miller acknowledged MW’s feedback but outlined Newcastle United is typically in the lower quartile for ticket pricing in the Premier League.

BM accepted that because the price for a ten-year season ticket was set 14 years ago, the percentage price increase from a 2011/12 price to a 2025/26 price would be an anomaly compared to last season’s 5% rise for standard adult season tickets.

However, it is a necessary step to bring parity between season ticket holders in equivalent seats.

Chief Operating Officer Brad Miller explained that we as a Club are exploring all incremental gains in order to continue our progression to compete at the highest level, as the 1% to 2% margins can make the difference.

NUFC Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone referenced PSR and its influence on the club’s transfer activity in June 2024 in particular. He explained that the club is tasked with doing all it can to be competitive, and that the club’s ambitions (ownership and fans) are the same as other top clubs in the Premier League. He acknowledged that the club needs to meet those without impacting the loyalty of supporters.

FAB member Paul Karter understood the club’s view but said supporters can only take it from one perspective. He explained that the rise in price could have a softer landing so that the longest-serving season ticket holders are retained.

Director, Commercial Venue, Yvette Thompson explained that the club communicated proactively and early with supporters on long-term deals to inform them that prices would be brought to a level of parity with other season ticket holders. This followed the conclusion of other similar long-term deals in 2022.

FAB member Claire Wintrip outlined a different perspective as a season ticket holder, having attended most matches in “worse times” but having had to pay full price as a result of not being enrolled on a long-term deal. CW highlighted the sensitivity/unfairness of having some season ticket holders, sitting next to each other, paying less than others.

NUFC Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone acknowledged this point and highlighted that this was a challenge the club faces. Trying to ensure consistency and fairness for all fans sitting in the same areas. He cited that if the rise from a 2011/12 price to a 2025/26 price was made in stages, rather than on the conclusion of the deal, the club would be susceptible to complaints from others now paying full price who were sitting next to others who were paying less (as per CW’s point).

FAB member Paul Karter acknowledged he was very fortunate to have paid the same price for his season ticket for the past 14 years. He accepted his sister behind him is paying 56% more as a result of not being on a ten-year deal, and asked if the prices could have ‘met in the middle’. He asked if the club could make up any shortfall elsewhere.

Director, Commercial Venue, Yvette Thompson explained that other similar deals had concluded in recent seasons and approach should be consistent. It would be unfair to do something different for the final group of supporters on a long-term deal.

NUFC Head of Supporter Services, Sarah Medcalf, added that the club had notified season ticket holders of the end of the long term deal a year in advance and is looking at potential payment plans to make sure payments are spread.

Whilst PSR is an ever-present consideration, as is the loyalty and support of our fans, the issue of price consistency across the stadium is also an important issue the club has to manage. It is not just about the club making up the shortfall elsewhere…

NUFC Head of Ticketing Chris Parkinson raised the ballot process, referencing the following:

At the time of the meeting there had been seven ballots so far this season.

Almost all supporters who have applied for all seven ballots have won at least one, with a greater chance of success than general sale and the official resale platform.

Of those successful in ballots, on average 10% of supporters are not proceeding to select their seats and conclude the purchase, even though you can select your seats.

FAB member Rajat Nayyar highlighted website functionality, specifically noting that the current colour scheme makes it challenging to see areas of ticket availability. The club agreed to take this feedback on board and review the functionality where possible.

FAB member Adam Stoker requested that ballot success rate information is published to supporters and noted that Arsenal had published their comparable information that week.

NUFC Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone said this would be taken away to be discussed internally.’

Official club announcement on 2025/26 Newcastle United season ticket prices:

‘We would like to inform our fans about our season ticket pricing information for the 2025/26 season at St. James’ Park. The summary headlines are:

– Season ticket prices, across the stadium, will increase 5% from the 2024/25 standard pricing.

– Junior ticket prices will remain frozen, as last season. We will continue to offer all concession pricing.

– All season ticket holders will have the ability to spread their 2025/26 season ticket payments over a 12-month period (interest-free) – a change from the previous eight-month period. – This will spread payments over a longer period (monthly payments may be lower due to the longer payment schedule). – The maximum increase experienced by an individual adult season ticket holder will be £4.85 per month / £3.06 per game (excluding those moving category)

– Appreciating the impact on fans coming off the long-term season ticket price freeze, any season ticket holders who wish to move their seats to a more affordable seating area within the stadium will be permitted to do so, subject to availability.

– Recognising the incredible support the team has received to reach another Carabao Cup Final, there will be no increase in all Domestic Cup Scheme ticket prices for Carabao Cup and FA Cup matches in 2025/26.

– Season ticket holders who pay by Direct Debit (including those on the long term deal who paid via Direct Debit) will receive an email from the club regarding their auto-renewal, and do not need to take any further action unless they wish to cancel their season ticket.

All other season ticket holders can renew their season ticket at book.newcastleunited.com from 10am on Monday 10 March. The renewal deadline is 5pm on Friday 21 March. You will not be able to renew your season ticket after this date. Cup Scheme information, including details on how to enrol, will be communicated at a later date.

PRICING AND PAYMENTS

Prices for junior season tickets will be frozen for next season. Prices for other season ticket categories, including adult season tickets, will rise by 5%. As long-term price-freeze deals reach a scheduled conclusion, all season ticket holders will be paying the same for comparable ticket categories across the stadium. To add greater flexibility with payments, we are rolling out a free 12-month Direct Debit scheme to all season ticket holders.

For supporters previously renewing annually, this is an increase from the previous eight-month scheme. While you will be paying more than last season over the course of a full season, your monthly payments may be lower due to the longer payment schedule.

Once Cup Scheme enrolment is confirmed (towards the end of the season), those season ticket holders that do opt in will benefit from frozen FA Cup and Carabao Cup ticket prices.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Darren Eales, Newcastle United’s CEO, said: “Raising ticket prices is a decision we make reluctantly but it is one that is unavoidable if we are to keep pace and build towards our collective ambitions.

“In a world of profit and sustainability rules, we must continue to face up to challenging decisions and find a balance that keeps football affordable while ensuring the club is able to compete. Without this approach, achieving the sustainable success we all crave simply becomes impossible.

“We continue to relentlessly pursue other revenue opportunities, and we have achieved rapid commercial growth to fuel our progress, as well as offsetting growing operational costs.”

“ONGOING COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABLE FOOTBALL”

“I want to recognise the huge role our season ticket holders continue to play in making St. James’ Park a fortress. We understand price rises are difficult, and we have therefore taken steps to ensure there is even greater flexibility around payments.

“Our ongoing commitment to affordable football is reflected in our pricing for league and cup matches at St. James’ Park. We continue to fair very favourably against other clubs in domestic and European competitions, and in comparison to other elite sports and entertainment events. That commitment remains.

“I want to acknowledge the club’s Fan Advisory Board members for their clear feedback. I am sorry that this is not the universal price freeze you asked for, but I hope you understand why this is a decision we must take after careful consideration.

“I thank all of you sincerely for your continued support and hope as many season ticket holders as possible will join us for another exciting season.”

HOW TO RENEW YOUR SEASON TICKET

Season ticket holders who pay by Direct Debit will receive an email from the club regarding their auto-renewal, and do not need to take any further action unless they wish to cancel their season ticket. Instructions on how to do this will be included within the email.

All other season holders can renew your season ticket at book.newcastleunited.com from 10am on Monday 10 March. The renewal deadline is 5pm on Friday 21 March. You will not be able to renew your season ticket after this date.

2025/26 prices can be found below.

SEAT MOVES

Seat moves can be requested in the following circumstances only:

– Medical reasons (evidence maybe requested by the club);

– If your long-term price-freeze deal ends this season, you may request to move to a Category 2 or Category 3 seating area, subject to availability.

We are unable to move season ticket holders for other reasons.

PAYMENTS

Season tickets can be paid up front in full, or, for additional flexibility and convenience, via monthly Direct Debit. Instructions will be included during the renewal purchasing process.

DOMESTIC CUP COMPETITIONS

Domestic Cup Scheme pricing for those season ticket holders enrolled in Cup Schemes will remain unchanged from the 24/25 Season. Details on how to enrol will be communicated at a later date.

MAGPIE MOVER

Further details on how to purchase a Magpie Mover for the 2025/26 season will be shared in due course.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

As we approach the new season, season ticket holders will be advised how to download your digital season ticket.

You will need to download this once for the full season.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SEASON TICKETS

When will I receive my season ticket?

We will email you in July with full details on how to download your digital season ticket.

We will communicate full information – including answers to frequently asked questions – during this period and will advise supporters on how to download and best use their digital season ticket.

What happens if I can’t attend a game?

If you can’t attend a fixture you can either transfer the ticket to someone within your linked friends and family on your ticketing account or you can list the ticket for resale on our official website. If the ticket is sold, you will receive the pro-rata price of your season ticket for that game back as a refund.