Fulham owner Khan sees his £1bn stadium construction project take next steps

Shahid Khan, the owner of Premier League club Fulham, is investing £1 billion in a major stadium upgrade to expand his corporate portfolio. Khan, a Pakistani-American businessman worth nearly $15 billion, will see his team move 150 miles away while construction progresses. Simultaneously, the Jacksonville Jaguars, an American football franchise that utilizes Wembley Stadium for two of their annual NFL matches, are relocating to Orlando as EverBank stadium undergoes an upgrade.

The NFL team will temporarily remain in Jacksonville before moving south. This development follows a £120 million redevelopment of the Craven Cottage stand adjacent to the River Thames by Khan's Fulham club. The Riverside Stand, now operational, offers season tickets as well as high-end hospitality with a Michelin guide recommendation.

Construction management firm AECOM Hunt's Sid Perkins disclosed that both the Jaguars and the city aimed to incorporate American-made materials in the new stadium. The structural steel used is American-made, and the team plans to prioritize the use of locally sourced tiles and other finishings. Perkins also noted that approximately 70% of the workers on the site are locals, from surrounding counties.

Other major NFL teams, including the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Buffalo Bills, are either in the midst of major construction projects or have recently completed them. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are implementing a phased series of works, while the Washington Commanders are constructing a new stadium, offering fans a unique view of the US Capitol building through one end of the arena.