West Ham receive fresh London Stadium future update amid renewed sale calls

London Stadium's future is back in the spotlight, with renewed calls for the venue to be sold to West Ham United as its operator continues to face annual losses of around £19 million.

The stadium is owned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) through London Stadium LLP, while West Ham operate under a 99-year agreement signed in 2013.

However, the current arrangement has prompted criticism over the costs borne by London taxpayers and the difficulties of generating additional revenue.

Sale calls grow as London Stadium seeks new revenue

Labour London Assembly member Bassam Mahfouz has urged Mayor Sadiq Khan to consider selling London Stadium to West Ham, arguing that the existing agreement limits commercial opportunities. The club currently pays up to £2.5 million in annual rent but does not cover several operating costs, including security and pitch maintenance.

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has also backed a potential takeover, although he believes West Ham should be cautious about paying too much for a venue that continues to generate losses. A reported £50 million sale price has previously been suggested by Khan, but no deal has been agreed.

A spokesperson for the mayor has said that any credible proposal would be considered if it protected taxpayers and preserved the stadium's sporting and wider benefits. West Ham have declined to comment on a possible takeover.

Meanwhile, London Stadium is looking to increase revenue by hosting more concerts. Its operator has applied to raise the annual limit from 10 to 24 events, although West Ham's fixture schedule presents a challenge, with converting the venue between football and other events taking around two weeks.

The stadium has already hosted major performances, including concerts by Take That and Metallica, and is seeking to attract further events. Plans are also being developed for the surrounding Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with potential additions including hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants and conference facilities.

The operator is also pursuing energy-efficiency measures. Its 3,350 roof-mounted solar panels reportedly generated one million kilowatt-hours of electricity in the 14 months after their launch in 2025.

FGG Says: London Stadium sale calls highlight the cost of the current arrangement

Selling London Stadium to West Ham could provide an opportunity to rethink an arrangement that continues to cost the public millions each year.

However, any deal would need to account for the venue's operating losses and protect its role as a major sporting and events destination.

For now, a takeover remains only a proposal, with the stadium's future also depending on whether its operator can increase revenue and make the venue more financially sustainable.