Arsenal Supporters Express Discontent Regarding Increased Ticket Prices and Introduction of A+ Category

Arsenal supporters express discontent with the club regarding the increase in season ticket prices and the introduction of a new A+ category, labeling it as “squeezing more from supporters.”

Arsenal fans have expressed their discontent with the club’s decision to raise season ticket prices and implement a new “A+” ticket category, alleging that the Gunners are adopting a “American/FIFA model of extracting more from supporters.”

On Tuesday, the club revealed a 3.9 percent increase in season ticket prices, along with intentions to introduce an A+ category for general admission tickets in the 2026/27 season.

A new tier will be introduced above the current A, B, and C categories, specifically for high-profile Champions League matches, including potential quarter-finals and semi-finals. Ticket prices will range from £90 to £168, marking the highest general ticket pricing among Premier League clubs.

In response to the announcement, the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust (AST) stated:

We firmly opposed Arsenal’s proposal for a new category A+ ticket, set to begin in the 2026/27 season. It places Arsenal at the pinnacle of a table that is not desirable and raises doubts about the club’s genuine commitment to embarking on a journey alongside its supporters.

The trust indicated that the club initially proposed that the A+ tickets would be limited to significant Champions League knockout matches. However, it cautioned that the extra revenue generated from broadcast rights, commercial bonuses, and ticketing already diminishes the necessity to impose additional charges on supporters.

“We reminded the club that when Arsenal advances to the later stages of the Champions League, significant additional revenue is generated through broadcast rights, commercial bonuses, and ticketing, eliminating the necessity to further burden supporters.” Additionally, UEFA has already revealed significant increases in future broadcast revenues.

AST observed that Arsenal subsequently affirmed the A+ category would be utilized for a maximum of two matches in the 2026/27 season and committed to refraining from extending it for at least two seasons:

“After additional discussions, Arsenal confirmed that the A+ would be implemented for no more than two matches in the 2026/27 season, specifically for a possible Champions League quarter-final and semi-final.”

“They also responded to our call to rule out any extension of this price category in future seasons by committing not to do so for at least two seasons.” This offers a measure of temporary relief, yet we are concerned that in upcoming seasons, we may witness an increase in that price category.

“This pricing level adheres to the American/FIFA model of extracting increasing amounts from fans.” This change appears noteworthy, occurring as Arsenal’s Boardroom has shifted to a more US-centric focus following three appointments in September 2025.

“We will persist in advocating for ticket price restraint and fairness to both the new Board and Arsenal’s Executive in upcoming meetings, as we believe it is essential for the club to recognize the effect pricing has on its dedicated supporter base.”

The AST also expressed disapproval regarding the decision to increase season ticket prices in light of rising revenues:

“We express our disappointment that the FSA’s (Football Supporters’ Association’s) ‘Protect the Fans, Protect the Game’ proposals advocating for a ticket price freeze across all Premier League clubs have not been adopted.

“Neither the Premier League nor Arsenal have genuinely considered the notion that a freeze at all clubs could assist in halting the ‘arms race’.” We strongly believe that as the football sector continues to enjoy rising broadcast and commercial revenues, it is essential to ease the financial pressure on match-going supporters.

“Arsenal has recently informed Deloitte of a significant rise in last season’s total revenue to £691m, reflecting a 10 per cent increase, alongside ticketing income reaching £154m, which marks a 19 per cent growth.”

“Fans find it frustrating that football clubs and leagues are taking minimal action to address the rising costs in the game, as ticket prices keep climbing.” The AST has spearheaded initiatives via the FSA and FSE to regulate agents’ fees.

“However, the football authorities and clubs appear unable to come together to tackle this issue.” We now anticipate that both Arsenal and the Premier League will provide further clarification regarding their decision to overlook the strong case for a price freeze presented by the ‘Protect the Fans, Protect the Game’ campaign, which received overwhelming support from fans, including all representative members of the Arsenal Advisory Board (AAB).

Arsenal justified the price increase as essential for maintaining financial sustainability and for investing in both the squad and infrastructure:

“As we continue to advance towards our goal of securing significant trophies, we remain committed to achieving financial sustainability.” Our investment in our playing squads and infrastructure relies on the revenue we generate amidst increasing costs. Against this backdrop, we have evaluated our Season Ticket pricing for the upcoming season.

The club has also announced its intention to implement safe standing at the Emirates Stadium over the next two seasons, beginning with the lower tier of the Clock End in 2026/27 and the North Bank in 2027/28.