Wolves have finally given their reason behind the second ticket price hike and supporters are all saying the same thing.
It’s been just over a week since Jeff Shi alienated the Wolves fanbase by dramatically raising the season ticket prices for the 2024/25 campaign.
Gary O’Neil’s men finished in 14th place in the Premier League and while most were satisfied with the progress, it didn’t warrant prices skyrocketing.
The prices have increased by 17% on average with many supporters, including those who have attended for multiple decades, now unable to afford their tickets for next season.
In an attempt to reverse this decision, the Old Gold Pack started a petition recently and it has now garnered over 13,000 signatures. This has been sent to the club, along with an open letter demanding a rethink.
Sadly, they have now responded to the outrage from the fans and it doesn’t appear the ticket pricing will be reversed barring a big U-turn.
Wolves finally respond to fan outrage over season ticket pricing
The Wolves’ official X account answered the frequently most asked questions across the past week and of course, the one that featured front and centre was a question about the hike in ticket pricing.
When asked about the reason behind the price increase, the club responded: “Each season, the club conducts a thorough analysis and benchmarking of ticket prices across other clubs.
“This year, the review showed that our adult prices were lower than most, while junior prices were among the lowest in the league. To align more closely with comparable clubs, we decided to increase prices. The adjustment this season means that minimal increases, or even price freezes, will be possible in subsequent seasons.
“The interest-free direct debit payment option lets supporters spread the cost of renewal over nine monthly payments, with adult tickets behind the goals starting from £82 a month and junior prices from £17.50 a month.”
Wolves have tried to justify the decision by comparing their prices to other Premier League clubs and they are so out of touch with the fan base. This is evident in the replies to the tweet as supporters were understandably left outraged.
Wolves fans react to the club breaking silence on new pricing
Many supporters hoped that the club would see sense and listen to widespread negativity surrounding the updated pricing but rightfully, one fan has touched on Wolves being a working-class football club and those who have been going for generations deserve much better.
“We are from Wolverhampton & we want to support the team which we have done for generations. Stop this nonsense. We have been here long before you & will be here long after you have left. We’re a working class club, if that’s not ok, maybe Wolves isn’t for you,” one supporter said.
Another fan wasn’t happy with the decision to benchmark the pricing, claiming it has priced supporters out who have been attending for decades, saying: “Still going on about benchmarking. Benchmarking this, benchmarking that. Pricing 50 year season ticket holders out for benchmarking. Just embarrassing, embarrassing statement, embarrassing way to deal with it.”
A third wanted an explanation as to why there’s so much talent out on loan but a player who qualifies for the under-16s is on the bench. He said: “Wolves have a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Please explain why we have over £50m worth of players out on loan whilst we have a 15 year old on our match day bench?”
A fifth shared a similar sentiment: “Shame they didn’t benchmark the investment in their squads at the same time. Maybe those clubs fans can a) afford it it and b) can justify it because they don’t have to heavily lean on the U21s for players.
Another said: “This is getting embarrassing. Listen to your fanbase before you don’t have one.”
The Wolves ownership have rightfully received widespread backlash from the fans as their response was so out of touch with reality, and it appears they’ll lose a lot of loyal supporters who are now priced out of watching their club.