The Arsenal Advisory Board (AAB) met on Monday 11 May at Highbury House for our final meeting of the 2025/26 season. Our discussions covered key updates from across the club, end-of-season operational planning, supporter experience issues and preparations for the men’s UEFA Champions League Final in Budapest.
The meeting was chaired by our Chief Communications Officer, Kate Laurens, and attended by Co-Chair, Josh Kroenke; CEO, Richard Garlick; Chief Operations Officer, Karen Smart; Chief Commercial Officer, Juliet Slot and other departmental leads from the club.
Our supporters were represented by AAB Co-Chair, Drew Gray (AISA); Tim Payton and Akhil Vyas (AST); Kate Holden (AWSC); Darce Styles (GayGooners); Thomas Ballegaard (International Supporters’ Clubs); Mick Padfield (Domestic Supporters’ Clubs); and Sakinaah Boateng (Community representative).
CEO’s update
Our Chief Executive Officer Richard Garlick opened with an update on both the men’s and women’s teams, reflecting on a landmark campaign across the club. He highlighted the men’s team’s position at the top of the Premier League, alongside qualification for our second-ever men’s UEFA Champions League final. Richard also noted key milestones including the men’s team’s highest-ever win tally, the fewest goals conceded across Europe’s top five leagues, and our women’s team’s historic FIFA Champions Cup victory.
On Arsenal Women, Richard reflected on another strong season on and off the pitch, with attendances continuing to grow and close to 500,000 tickets sold across the campaign. He confirmed that investment plans are already underway for both the playing squad and the matchday experience, with further supporter consultation building on the connection achieved through our Block-by-Block series.
The meeting also included discussion around the club’s recently announced financial results, future commercial partnerships and supporter feedback relating to European away fixtures and ticket allocations for the UEFA Champions League Final.
Supporter representatives welcomed the club’s continued engagement with UEFA regarding ticket allocation concerns and supporter experiences at European matches this season.
End of season planning
An operational update was provided by Chief Operations Officer Karen Smart and Venue Commercial Director Tom McCann, with a focus on preparations for the Champions League Final in Budapest.
This included updates on supporter travel arrangements, the Fan Meeting Point, stewarding plans and a screening event at Emirates Stadium for supporters unable to travel to the final. There were also updates on ongoing planning for a potential trophy parade, being coordinated alongside local authorities and key stakeholders.
Emirates Stadium matchday operations
The AAB also discussed several supporter experience topics at Emirates Stadium, including licensed standing, stadium signage and wayfinding, mobile connectivity, steward training and women’s toilet provision on matchdays.
Members also received an update on the club’s stadium catering partner, with discussions around supporter experience, sustainability, local procurement and commitments to the London Living Wage.
Conclusion and Co-Chair remarks
The meeting concluded with discussion around membership, ticketing and international supporter engagement. The club also formally thanked Drew Gray for his contribution as the AAB’s first supporter co-chair, ahead of his departure from the role at the end of the season.
Arsenal Co-Chair Josh Kroenke closed the meeting by reflecting on the progress made across the club in recent years and thanked supporter representatives for their continued contribution and engagement throughout the season.
Our thanks go to all our supporter representatives and everyone who has engaged with the club via the AAB, our supporter forums and directly throughout this season.
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