In a welcome bit of news for Manchester City supporters, the club have announced another freeze on season card prices, as well as a change to a controversial policy surrounding ticket transfers.
A big bonus ahead of next term and what could still prove to be a blockbuster end to the 2025/26.
Confirming the news in a statement released on Friday, 24 April, Man City announced that they will be maintaining the current cost of season tickets for at least another campaign.
Sharing the information on social media, the update by and large has been met with a warm reception, with fan groups such as City Matters, various branches of the official Man City Supporters Clubs, and the likes of the 1894 Group welcoming the decisions.
Following extensive consultations with its fan engagement network, City Matters, Manchester City can confirm its approach to pricing for the 2026/27 season.
The post reads as follows: “Following extensive consultations with its fan engagement network, City Matters, Manchester City can confirm its approach to pricing for the 2026/27 season.
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“Prices for renewing general admission season tickets and Premier League match-by-match tickets for junior and adult Matchday Members will be retained at the same rate for a third consecutive season.
“The Club has taken the approach in recognition of the extraordinary accumulated impact of the current cost of living pressures on fans and their families.”
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City have also now informed Etihad Stadium matchgoers of the latest info regarding several other ‘significant’ choices and changes.
Besides paying the same price for their seat upon renewal, the cost of ‘match-by-match’ tickets will also stay at the same rate for juniors and adults, and they will also be introducing a new category for selected mid-week Premier League home games, starting from £25 for 18+ visitors.
Although annual adult matchday membership has increased by £3, juniors haven’t changed, and another 4,000 new ‘Flexi-Season Tickets’ – with 50% ringfenced for juniors – are set to be introduced as part of the home ground’s expansion and their “commitment to future generations of Cityzens”.
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The 1894, who have been vocal against the club and mobilised as part of multiple peaceful protests in recent times, shared a lengthy response of their own:
Perhaps just as crucially, though, following extensive consultation with City Matters, the previously unpopular ticket transfer policy has been simplified. Ahead of next season, matchgoers will be able to list up to a total of 18 family members and friends, regardless of their membership status.
City fans will also be able to do this at any point throughout the year if they are unable to attend a match. You won’t hear any complaints when it comes to this one.
Reflecting on the productive discussions, fan representatives said: “City Matters is delighted with the Club’s ticketing announcement and the decisions that have been made, both in relation to Season Ticket and Match-by-Match prices as well as the simplified ticket transfer policy.
“Over several months, we have worked closely and constructively with the Club, taking part in positive dialogue with them, sharing a wide range of views from within our fan base on ticketing-related topics.
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“The outcome that the Club and City Matters have delivered together demonstrates the real and positive impact that City Matters has as the Club’s official fan network.
“We would like to thank the Club for delivering on our priorities, showing once again that there is a clear understanding of the needs of fans and a commitment to acting in their best interests.”
There might still be somewhat of a bittersweet end coming very soon, but at least there’s stuff coming that can still be celebrated.
Rodri makes ‘preference’ clear as Barcelona and Real Madrid push to sign Man City star
Danny Jones
Ballon d’Or winner and Manchester City star Rodri has reportedly made his ‘preference’ clear as both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have ramped up efforts to sign him this summer.
The European and now World Champion is well and truly within ‘completing football territory’ at this point, but now looks set for a return to his home country to conquer La Liga.
Well, sort of, as according to Forbes and other outlets, the world-class central defensive midfielder looks to have chosen Barcelona over Madrid, with the deal now progressing beyond just player talks.
However, the outlet does go on to state that Man City intend to reject the current offer made for Rodri’s services, and will keep pursuing a larger fee for one of, if not their most important player.
Sharing an even more recent update, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that, as well as the decision having now been made over the Spanish giants and “personal terms agreed”, the Rodri move has now entered the “key stages” with direct negotiations between the two clubs.
Initial contract talks are said to have already taken place, and with the Spaniard having come through the Atlético Madrid youth ranks before returning there as a senior player prior to his big-money move to Manchester, a switch to the other side of the city and ‘Los Blancos’ was always going to be a tall task.
As per Romano, Barca are “willing to offer a package over €45 [upwards of £50 million]” for Rodri, and while the Blues have made it very clear that they want more if he is to leave, the Catalan club are confident they’ll be able to close the deal before the end of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, City are obviously hoping to keep hold of their Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup winner if they can; they’re said to be trying their best to keep him at the table and tie him down to a new and even more lucrative contract.
On the other hand, they have brought in an already extremely highly rated player in Elliot Anderson, who looks set to be their crucial cog in the middle of the park for a long time to come at just 23 years old.
Do you think it’s the right fit, if he has indeed ‘picked’ the Blaugrana?
All that being said, it’s hard for any player to look the other way when an offer comes in from two of the biggest clubs in the world, let alone Spain – especially when the player is from there and has won everything there is to win in their current league.
Rodri only turned 30 back in June, and despite having numerous injury problems over the past couple of seasons, there is still an evident faith that new MCFC boss Enzo Maresca can build a fresh squad around him in the pivot.
What do you think, Cityzens: is now the right time to try and get a good price for him, or should he stick around at the Etihad for the remainder of his already glittering career?
Elsewhere in transfer news, both big Manc clubs and a number of other suitors across Europe are supposedly interested in signing a young striker currently playing in Ireland…
Featured Images — Bryan Berlin (via Wikimedia Commons)/BBC Sport (screenshot via YouTube)
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Super League Basketball Cup Finals return to Manchester for second year running
Danny Jones
Following the roaring success of last season’s epic conclusion, the 2026/27 Super League Basketball (SLB) Cup Finals are returning to the AO in Manchester.
Coming back for a second consecutive edition, the SLB’s domestic cup finals tournament will be taking over the city centre’s historic sporting and entertainment space for what is sure to be an even more exciting contest than the previous.
Intertwining themselves even deeper with UK basketball’s premier division, we’ll be hoping we can carry the home advantage all the way this time around.
Landing early next year, the arena’s bowl will be turned into a basketball venue which will host the top teams and talents throughout Britain.
Showcasing some of the very best men’s and women’s stars, this is one of the competition’s biggest flagship dates on the national calendar.
Offering clubs the first real chance of winning major silverware in the annual campaign, the organisers are urging fans to grab their tickets earlier than ever this year, with interest in the domestic game increasing constantly.
Local fans really showed up this past spring.
Set to take place on Sunday, 21 March 2027, next year’s deciders will see the female final tip off in the early afternoon, before the men’s players take to the court for a chance at the trophy.
In Manc basketball news, MCR have confirmed several key signings ahead of the new term, including a former London Lion.
SLB’s Head of Events, Clare Holmes, said in a statement: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the SLB Cup Finals back to the AO Arena for a second consecutive year.
“Last season’s event demonstrated the incredible appetite for elite basketball in Manchester, with a fantastic atmosphere created by supporters from across the country.
“Our goal is to continue raising the bar for our major events, and we’re excited to welcome fans back for another unforgettable day celebrating the very best of Super League Basketball.”
Early pre-sale access will be available to fans signed up to the official mailing list from Monday, 10 August, while general admission tickets go live at 10am the following week (17 Aug).