April 22 – West Ham United have become the first English top-flight club to announce they will reduce season ticket prices as a result of the Premier League’s eye-watering new bumper television deal.
Sky and BT Sport have paid £5.13 billion for live Premier League television rights for three seasons from 2016-17.
Since the deal was announced, many supporters have vented their anger at the cost of watching football with calls for the increased broadcast revenue to filter down to supporters.
West Ham, who will move into the Olympic stadium used for London 2012 the season after next, have been quick to respond to make games more affordable.
“We have always said that the move to our magnificent new stadium would be a game changer for West Ham: a chance to increase revenue, invest in the team and improve our performance on the pitch, but crucially without putting an extra financial burden on the supporters who already come to watch every home match. The announcement proves that we have kept our promise,” said club vice-chairman Karren Brady.
Although the cost of season tickets at West Ham will rise next season by a maximum of 5%, they will fall again for the following campaign when the new television deal kicks in. If they are still in the Premier League in 2016-17, the club say their cheapest adult season tickets then will cost £289, which means fans will play £15.20 for each of their 19 home league games.
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