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David Sullivan puts £50m West Ham war chest at risk amid new twist
David Sullivan and the rest of the West Ham hierarchy are jeopardising a £50m income stream with their latest initiative.
The relationship between the GSB regime and the West Ham faithful has long been frosty.
Pre-existing wounds grew even deeper following the move the London Stadium in 2016, with supporters bemoaning a perceived lack of atmosphere in an arena not purpose-built for football.
What’s more, Sullivan and Karren Brady, the main decision makers behind the scenes at the club, have broken a promise to pass the savings made via renting the stadium down to fans.
And GSB’s latest move in this department risks not only further alienating bedrock supporters but also harming the club financially.
That, of course, would have repercussions for Julen Lopetegui’s transfer budget.
West Ham implement controversial pricing scheme
West Ham have reduced the age that qualifies for a senior ticket and made concession (OAPs and juniors) tickets available only in the highest and least accessible areas of the London Stadium.
Critics argue this has essentially priced many supporters out, given that it is tough for many older and younger fans to climb the very steep steps to the upper reaches of the stadium.
West Ham are believed to be capable of making a maximum £600,000 in annual matchday revenue from the move.
For context, the club made £41m through the turnstiles last season alone, while their overall revenue was £237m.
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Boycott could harm West Ham’s commercial income
West Ham’s commercial income stood at £48m last campaign and will rise past the £50m mark when the time comes for them to release their 2023-24 accounts.
However, a backlash among a group of the clubs fans could theoretically have a material impact on that revenue stream.
A petition to prevent West Ham instigating the pricing structure has gained thousands of signatures and has now led to a campaign to boycott West Ham sponsors, organised by .
The group are proposing that West Ham fans should boycott the club’s high-paying principle sponsor Betway, including not attending the annual pre-season Betway Cup.
Similar protests at the likes of Man United have had a tangible impact and, although there would likely need to be a major expansion of the boycott first, could potentially do the same at West Ham.
That in turn would reduce the club’s commercial appeal to would-be partners, weakening their leverage and ultimately reducing their £50m sponsorship income.