The Carolina Panthers have been among the most active teams in free agency, pulling off a series of massive deals in hopes of finally competing in the NFC South after years of failure.
There's reason for fans to be optimistic, and it looks like young head coach Dave Canales is building a strong foundation. However, there's an understandable apathy in many ways surrounding Carolina. Owner David Tepper is wildly unpopular, making the 2025 campaign critical to avoid losing the momentum the Panthers are starting to build.
Unfortunately for fans, the organization just broke some bad news about ticket prices for next season.
Following a seventh consecutive losing season, Panthers are raising their season ticket prices by an average of just over 6% across all seating levels.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 25, 2025
-No price increase for upper-level seats, which over the last 5 years have had a compounded annual growth rate of 1.1%.
Panthers Raising Season Ticket Prices by Average of Over 6%
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Panthers are raising their season ticket prices by an average of just over 6% across all seating levels. There will not be an increase for upper-level seats, suggesting there's a relatively decent increase on lower-level ones.
This decision comes on the heels of seven consecutive losing seasons, though it makes sense that the franchise wants to offset some of the huge contracts they've given out to guys like Jaycee Horn and Tershawn Wharton. If Canales' group shows considerable progress and Bryce Young builds on his promise, it's unlikely that fans will be too upset about paying extra to watch the team.
More on Panthers ticket prices:
— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 25, 2025
-Team ranked 20th in NFL last yr in non-premium ticket pricing
-Based on Panthers' research, 80% of NFL teams that have announced pricing plans increased ticket prices for '25
-Ticket/PSL owner invoices were emailed today; renewal deadline 5/1
That said, frustration could grow should the losing continue. Carolina's last winning season was back in 2017, and the Panthers haven't won the NFC South since the incredible 2015 campaign with Cam Newton.
Needless to say, there's pressure on this roster, the front office, and the coaching staff. After winning two games in 2023 and five last year, this is a fanbase starved for success. It's hard to justify big ticket price increases without making good use of the money, so Canales, Young, and the rest of the group need to deliver.
Otherwise, it'll be another long year for fans who have already suffered enough.