AFC Bournemouth have announced a 3% season ticket increase for 2026/27, framing it as in line with inflation. But while the maths may add up, fans are still paying more - fuelling frustration despite claims of financial necessity.
AFC Bournemouth have confirmed their season ticket pricing for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, and it involves an increase of 3%.
The increase will apply across all seating categories, although wheelchair bays are excluded as part of an ongoing five-year strategy aimed at standardising a consistent discount for disabled supporters.
On average, the adjustment equates to an increase of around £1.10 per match.
An season-ticket for the North Stand will be £694 (plus an admin fee of £3), whereas last season it was £674.
AFC Bournemouth's official website has stated that the renewal window for season tickets will open once the 2025/26 season concludes, with full details on deadlines, payment options and ticket distribution to be communicated at that point.
REUTERS/Ian WaltonIt goes on to say that supporters affected by changes to hospitality and media seating layouts ahead of next season will be contacted via email next week with information about their priority relocation window.
The price rises come as a surprise to some Cherries fans after initial rumours suggested that it was unlikely that Bournemouth would be increasing the cost of a season ticket, therefore the social media reaction this afternoon has been largely one of frustration tinged with a sense of inevitability.
Earlier, the Fan Advisory Board and Cherries Trust both stated that they would not be able to support an increase larger than 3% following three successive years of higher increases - so this news will come as some consolation and perhaps relief to both groups, however the initial reaction from wider fan circles suggests that some supporters are not as pacified.
The stance from AFC Bournemouth's point of view, could be that the 3% rise is in line with inflation, so there is a legitimate economic argument behind the increase. Costs across the game continue to rise, from player wages to travel and stadium maintenance.
If prices were frozen in cash terms, the club would effectively be losing money in real terms, so matching inflation can be framed as a way of maintaining financial stability rather than increasing profit.
That said, for supporters, it is still a price rise in the most immediate and tangible sense. Fans are being asked to pay more than they did the previous season, regardless of how it is framed.
The distinction between "real terms" and "nominal terms" may make sense economically, but it does little to soften the impact on individual budgets.
The costs of individual matchday tickets will be revealed in due course.