West Ham United‘s recent decision to increase ticket prices and remove concessions is a disappointing one. The club’s actions are unfair to fans and could have negative long-term consequences.
West Ham’s focus on increasing revenue is understandable. However, the club should prioritise the needs and well-being of its fans. The decision to raise ticket prices and remove concessions shows a lack of consideration for the financial burdens faced by many supporters.
The increased ticket prices and removal of concessions will make it more difficult for fans to attend matches. This could lead to a decline in fan attendance and a loss of revenue for the club in the long run.
Financial expert Kieran Maguire has stated how unfair he thinks the changes are, but he suggests that things will only get worse. “West Ham are a quarter of a billion pounds a year business so to nickel and dime people who have been supporting the club is indefensible from a moral and ethical point of view,” he told the Price of Football podcast.
“The direction of travel is one way. Clubs are concerned about being able to increase money coming in from TV deals, Sky are effectively signed up for the rest of the decade and it’s flatlining. West Ham have done well at improving their revenues but that has a natural ceiling.”
Kieran Maguire say the Premier League revue stream is flatlining
“If you can sell out 62,000 tickets at current prices, you nudge concessions and target fans who moan but pay up so they can do it again. This is not just West Ham. I’m not saying that the Premier League has become too popular for its own good but because it has become so popular it has allowed clubs to focus purely on being a money-making industry.”
Football clubs should be a part of their communities. By making it more difficult for fans to attend matches, we are risking losing our connection with the local community. This could have negative consequences for the club’s reputation and support base.
While it is understandable for clubs to seek to increase revenue, it is important to strike a balance between financial goals and the needs of fans. West Ham United should reconsider its decision to increase ticket prices and remove concessions. The club should prioritise the well-being of its supporters and work to create a more affordable and inclusive matchday experience.