PSN x HaysMac Release Autumn Budget 2025 Summary Ahead of ‘Tax in Sports 2026’ Webinar
Premier Sports Network is pleased to share key insights from HaysMac’s expert analysis of the UK Government’s Autumn Budget 2025, a fiscal update set to influence athlete contracts, club operations, and financial planning across British sport.
The timing aligns with record interest in the upcoming PSN x HaysMac Finance in Sport Webinar, where over 100 finance leaders from 84+ UK sports organisations will gather online to unpack what these tax and regulatory changes mean for 2026 and beyond.
HaysMac’s full Autumn Budget overview is available in the attached report, with several themes carrying immediate significance for CFOs, finance directors, club executives, and sporting organisations.
Headline Takeaways for the Sports Industry
1. Income Tax & National Insurance Frozen Until 2030/31
Thresholds will remain static for six more years, meaning fiscal drag will push more athletes, coaches, performance staff, and club executives into higher bands.
2. Pension Salary Sacrifice Reform (from 2029)
Salary sacrifice above £2,000 will become subject to NICs, a major consideration for clubs structuring compensation packages for players and senior staff.
3. ISA Changes Affecting Younger Athletes (from 2027)
Athletes under 65 will face allocation limits:
£12,000 Cash ISA
£8,000 Stocks & Shares ISA
A shift that requires more careful long-term savings planning for young professionals.
4. Dividend & Investment Income Tax Rise
The Budget introduces:
+2% increase to dividend tax rates (from April 2026)
+2% increase to tax on property and savings income (from April 2027)
Particularly relevant for players with rental portfolios or investment income.
5. The New “Mansion Tax”
Homes valued over £2 million will face a new Council Tax surcharge — directly affecting Premier League and Championship athletes, executives, and owners.
6. Electric Vehicle Mileage Charge
New per-mile charges for EVs from 2028/29 - noteworthy as EV adoption rises among sports professionals.
7. Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) CGT Relief Cut
Capital Gains Tax relief reduced from 100% to 50% - relevant for ownership transitions in sports agencies, performance businesses, or private academies.
HaysMac will be breaking down all these points, plus employment tax updates, R&D rules, image rights guidance, and cross-border considerations during next week's webinar.
Record Sign-Ups for ‘Tax in Sports: 2026 Opportunities & Threats’
With over 100 finance leaders registered from major clubs, federations, leagues, and agencies, this edition of the PSN Finance in Sport Series marks our most engaged tax-focused event to date.
The 4th December online session will cover:
• Player Contracts & Image Rights
HMRC scrutiny
Risks when players move abroad
Structuring income safely
• Employment Tax Updates
• R&D & Tax Disputes
• R&D Opportunities for Sports Organisations
• VAT Considerations Around Growth & Investment
This session aims to equip sports finance teams with proactive strategies ahead of the 2026 regulatory cycle.
PSN C-Suite & Finance Network: 2026 Global Calendar Now Open
As PSN expands its finance leadership community across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, senior finance professionals can now register their interest for next year’s global programme.
View the Full HaysMac Autumn Budget Report
The complete PDF - including detailed breakdowns, expert commentary, and sector implications — is available below.