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Amanda Staveley's proposed investment in West Ham United could eventually pave the way for the club to buy the London Stadium.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has now indicated he would be open to discussions over the venue's future ownership.
Amanda Staveley handed encouragement to buy London Stadium
The prospect of West Ham one day owning the London Stadium has moved a step closer after Khan signalled he would welcome talks over the stadium's future.
Amanda Staveley is set to acquire a 25.1% stake in the Hammers through a consortium led by PCP Capital Partners, subject to the completion of the deal and any pre-emption rights not being exercised.
The development comes after Staveley revealed that property would form a major part of her next football investment, fuelling speculation that securing ownership of the London Stadium could eventually become a long-term objective.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London told City AM that Khan “would welcome any discussions regarding the London Stadium that would deliver greater value for money for Londoners”.
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The publicly owned stadium currently costs taxpayers around £19 million per year, while West Ham continue to benefit from a long-term lease agreed following their move from Upton Park in 2016.
The London Legacy Development Corporation also confirmed that, while no discussions have yet taken place, it would consider any future proposals that align with its objectives of supporting east London, encouraging investment and ensuring the stadium's long-term success.
Although Khan previously stated the stadium was not for sale in 2024, his latest comments suggest the door is no longer firmly closed should the right proposal emerge.
FGG says: West Ham owning the London Stadium would benefit everyone
The London Stadium has long been an awkward arrangement for both West Ham and the taxpayer, so a future sale could make sense if the figures stack up.
Greater control over the venue would also allow the club to maximise commercial opportunities and make longer-term improvements without the current ownership complications.
Whether Staveley's consortium pursues that route remains to be seen, but the Mayor's comments are arguably the strongest indication yet that such a deal is no longer out of the question.