Chelsea set increase ticket prices next season after fan talks amid cost pressures

The Blues ownership need to raise funds after record-breaking spending during 18 months in charge
Nizaar Kinsella29 December 2023

Chelsea are expected to increase ticket prices next season.

No firm decision has been made amid an ongoing consultation process, but dialogue in a series of meetings has left supporters expecting price rises.

Chelsea continue to discuss their strategy with the Fans' Forum - a body of elected fans and senior members club officials - and Fan Advisory Board - seven nominated supporters that attend club board meetings.

The club look set to change their ticketing strategy after owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake froze ticket prices this season after a disappointing first year at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were one of just three club not to raise ticket prices this season
Getty Images

The Blues spent over £1billion across three transfer windows to try to improve the squad but need to increase revenue streams - including matchday income - to operate on a sustainable basis.

The costs of operating Stamford Bridge are up 31 percent since 2018, with inflation hitting the football business hard.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have the lowest operating margin out of the traditional top six clubs, which ultimately affects how much can be invested on the pitch in an era of financial controls by the Premier League and UEFA.

General admission tickets have been frozen since the 2011/12 season, with season ticket prices effectively down by 32% in real terms since their last increase.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Fulham have significantly higher ticket prices within London and only Manchester City currently have a lower average ticket price among the traditional big six.

Ahead of the current season, 17 of the 20 Premier League clubs increased season their ticket prices.

Chelsea believe their ticket prices are below the Premier League average. Despite their underwhelming performances over the last 18 months, demand for tickets remains higher than ever.

New CEO Chris Jurasek is looking at ways to increase revenue across the board and is willing to sign off on unpopular decisions regardless of Chelsea's ultimate league position this season.

Chelsea face off-field challenges in the coming years due to a need to rebuild Stamford Bridge or build an entirely new stadium. They also intend to invest in the training ground at Cobham.

A Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) survey this month revealed that most fans would accept a 4% increase in season ticket prices.

But the majority of fans also believe tickets are already a fair price amid a cost of living crisis, which may be jarring against some of the transfer fees paid in the last 18 months.

CST have already criticised Chelsea this season for removing coach subsidies for away travel. The Chelsea Women Supporters Group has also complained about price increases to watch Emma Hayes' double-winners.

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