West Ham’s London Stadium eyes capacity increase to take fight to Wembley

The London Stadium is considering relaxing seating restrictions for boxing events in an effort to compete with Wembley Stadium for major fights and counter losses stemming from West Ham United's relegation to the Championship. The stadium, which is owned by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and leased by West Ham United for £2.5m annually, costs taxpayers £19m per year after rent was reduced following the club's relegation.

The increase in home matches in the second tier has led to higher stewarding costs. Last summer, the London Stadium hosted major concerts and a charity match, but the revenue generated was consumed by the losses incurred by West Ham's relegation. The GLA-owned operator, LS185, aims to recategorize boxing as a unique event that can be held in the 85,000-capacity entertainment shows, as opposed to the 60,000-capacity limit for sporting events.

Boxing is a significant revenue generator, with notable fights like Anthony Joshua's bout against Tyson Fury at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and Fury's match against Dillian Whyte at Wembley. These events reportedly brought in over £20m and £11m, respectively. Increasing the capacity for boxing events is expected to make the London Stadium a more attractive option for boxing promoters.

However, West Ham United is aiming for promotion back to the Premier League, and the financial burden on taxpayers may persist for years. AFC Wimbledon fans have expressed skepticism about new investors, including former Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand and agent Oliver Ward. The latter will leave his firm, FA Sport, if the investment deal is approved, but fans have raised concerns about Ward's potential influence on the League One club.

Under the proposed deal, Sloane Street Capital will invest £16m for a 34% share, with the promise of an additional £71m over the next five seasons.