Portsmouth chief seems to blame Labour government as fans told to spend more cash
Portsmouth chief executive Andrew Cullen appears to be blaming the Labour government for the hike in season ticket prices.
Pompey announced on 10 May that some season tickets will be rising from between 70p and £1.87 per game, dependent on location and age.
Season tickets for the youngest supporters will remain frozen through the introduction of an Under-11 category.
Cullen attributes increased season ticket prices on government policies
Cullen’s announcement of Portsmouth’s 2025/26 season ticket price increases subtly points to the Labour government’s policies, particularly the April 2025 changes to Employer National Insurance contributions and rises in the National Minimum Wage, as key drivers of the club’s rising operational costs.
By highlighting these specific policy shifts alongside increased utility and other expenses, he implies that external economic pressures, shaped by Labour’s fiscal measures, are forcing the club to raise prices by 70p to £1.87 per game for some tickets.
Cullen said: “The club, like all other businesses, has been impacted by significant increases and changes to Employer National Insurance contributions which came into effect in April. There have been rises in the National Minimum Wage, as well as utility costs. Other operating costs have also risen sharply.
“All of this will require additional investment, over and above season ticket income, so we can remain competitive on the pitch.”
Portsmouth fans should not be bearing the brunt of this
However, fans should not bear the brunt of these increases amid the UK’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which has strained household budgets with soaring energy bills, food prices, and inflation rates hovering around 2-3% in 2025.
Portsmouth’s supporters, many of whom are working-class families, already face financial pressures and higher ticket costs risk alienating the loyal fanbase that fueled the club’s Championship success, with 15,000 season tickets sold and Fratton Park’s fortress-like atmosphere.
| Opponent | Result |
| Watford (H) | 1-0 W |
| Sheffield Wednesday (A) | 1-1 D |
| Hull (H) | 1-1 D |
Additionally, the financial model should lean on alternative revenue streams, such as commercial partnerships, player sales or owner investment, rather than passing costs to fans.
Protecting younger supporters with frozen Under-11 prices is commendable, but broader price hikes undermine accessibility.
Fans, integral to the club’s identity and on-pitch competitiveness, deserve affordability, especially when their vocal support has been acknowledged as a cornerstone of Portsmouth’s strong home form.