This week, the Seattle Sounders opened their season ticket renewal window a little later than usual, which happened to be perfectly timed to take advantage of the good vibes from their successful Leagues Cup run. The top line: price increases are among the lowest in years, with most season ticket holders (STH) seeing only a 0-4% bump.
The payment plan has shifted from seven monthly payments to six. The first payment is due a month later than last year, so monthly costs may look higher even if the overall increase is minimal. The good news is that 2026 renewals come with a number of new perks that should add real value.
New pricing tier
The new $19.74 “Preferred Supporter” tier pricing is probably the most exciting new change offered. So far, it's only been introduced to current season ticket holders sitting in the supporters’ sections, but the understanding is that it will be rolled out to new STH and people that want to move to a GA section.
Fans in GA will have the option of a plan similar to their 2025 ticket, or they can opt-in to the cheaper $19.74+tax pricing–a savings of about 40%. Unlike most tickets, whose base price rises and falls based on the day and opponent, these tickets stay at $19.74, even during the playoffs (with MLS Cup being the only possible exception).
Caveats include:
- Must opt in to all tournaments or playoffs (no opt-outs)
- Cannot return unused tickets through the Return Ticket Program
- Cannot sell tickets over Ticketmaster, though transfers to friends and family are allowed
Emerald City Supporters runs its own ticket exchange on Discord, with the caveat that tickets can never be sold over face value. This helps offset the loss of resale or return benefits.
The $19.74 Tier Pricing is a collaboration between ECS and Sounders management designed to keep the GA section filled with supporters all season–even if it leaves revenue on the table. The Sounders already run a student ticket program where students with .edu email addresses can get $19.74 tickets, and recently, ECS has been able to offer single-game tickets at that rate through their online store to members for many home games. This will be the first time that the $19.74 rate will be extended to season tickets.
Concessions discount
For the first time, STH now receive a 10% discount on concessions at the stadium. Lumen Field's new system tracks membership status at points of sale, making this discount possible. This should apply to all in-stadium locations, though likely not to North Plaza food trucks.
Pro Shop discounts remain in place: Club members get 20% off, while regular STH receive 10% or 15%.
Concessions credit for full payment
Several years ago, the Sounders introduced an installment plan where season ticket payment could be spread over an extended period (now six months). Now, STH can earn a concessions credit if they opt-out of the payment plan and pay in full. Based on STH reports, the credit seems to be $100 for most STH and $200 for club members, regardless of the number of tickets on the account.
At the time of posting, the Ticketmaster website was not allowing members to choose the "pay-in-full" option online, but contacting a ticket rep should resolve the issue manually. STH that return tickets in 2025 after they pay for the 2026 season will also likely need to call their rep to have adjustments processed.
Return Ticket Program changes
Some STH remain unaware of the Return Ticket Program. For up to 7 (8 in club seats) of the 18 regular-season home games, STH can return their tickets for full credit and have that credit applied to the following season.
In 2025, returns were allowed until noon the day before a match, which often made it difficult for the Sounders to resell those tickets. Starting in 2026, the policy becomes more restrictive.
- 4+ days in advance – full credit
- 2-3 days in advance – 75% credit
- Less than 2 days in advance – no returns
Even with these changes, this remains one of the most generous return ticket programs in the industry.
Additional perks
Other perks mentioned on the Sounders renewal page include:
- 15% discount on Reign FC single game tickets
- A tenure program recognizing 5-, 10- and 15-year STH milestones
- A “Buddy Pass” for supporters’ section tickets, allowing STH in GA sections to claim two free additional GA tickets for one chosen match
- Membership gifts and a complimentary subscription to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV similar to previous seasons
No mention was made of any special access to World Cup tickets, and it appears STH will have no head start on the general public. That said, if you want World Cup tickets you should sign up for a FIFA account and enter the lottery on Sept. 10.
Looking ahead to 2026
The 2026 season will be unique, with grass temporarily being added to Lumen Field and the stadium unavailable to the Sounders for some unspecified time. Still, the modest price increases and the added perks represent a real investment in fans. If these changes improve attendance, 2026 could be a great year for the Sounders fan experience.
