Amanda Staveley could look to buy the London Stadium if her proposed investment in West Ham is completed.
The former Newcastle United co-owner is leading a consortium which has reached a provisional agreement to acquire the Gold family’s 25.1% stake in the Hammers.
According to The Times, Staveley would then consider opening talks with the Greater London Authority over purchasing the stadium itself.
A deal could reportedly value the venue at around £50million, potentially bringing a significant change to West Ham’s relationship with their home ground.
Amanda Staveley West Ham plans could include stadium purchase
Staveley’s interest in West Ham has developed considerably during the summer.
ReadWestHam previously examined what her arrival could mean for the club’s ownership structure, with Daniel Kretinsky and other existing shareholders holding rights which could still influence whether the Gold family transaction is completed.
The Times now reports that ownership of the London Stadium could become part of Staveley’s longer-term plans if she succeeds in acquiring a stake in West Ham.
The stadium is currently owned by the Greater London Authority, with West Ham operating as the principal tenant under a long-term lease.
That arrangement has regularly attracted scrutiny because of the cost to the taxpayer. ReadWestHam reported last month that the stadium operator was forecasting losses of around £19million, with relegation also reducing the rent paid by the club.
The Times reports that London mayor Sadiq Khan could be open to discussions over a sale if an agreement represented better value for taxpayers.
There would still be significant obstacles to overcome.
London remains a potential host for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, while UK Athletics retains a long-term agreement concerning the use of the venue. Any major redevelopment aimed at making the stadium more suitable for football could therefore require wider negotiations.
For West Ham, ownership of the stadium would represent a fundamental change from the current arrangement.
The club moved from Upton Park to the venue in 2016 but does not own the ground, while many of the operating and maintenance costs sit elsewhere.
Staveley’s reported interest therefore extends beyond simply purchasing shares in the football club.
Her first challenge is completing the investment in West Ham. Only then could one of the biggest questions surrounding the London Stadium enter a very different phase.
