West Ham United in line for financial uplift amid London Stadium controversy
West Ham United will receive a “marginal uplift” in revenue as a result of recent London Stadium controversy, according to football finance expert Dan Plumley.
Supporters have been protesting at matches so far this season after the Hammers decided to withdraw concession season tickets in bands one to four of the London Stadium [The Athletic, 19 August].
Ticket prices for the under-21 and over-66 categories have increased by an average of 7.5 per cent and while the Irons will pocket more money as a result, Plumley admits the benefit isn’t worth the upset it has caused the fanbase
“There will be an uplift in revenue,” Plumley exclusively told West Ham Zone.
“It probably won’t be major if we’re being honest, it’s going to be a marginal uplift in the bigger picture of total revenue and the money they generate from TV and commercial contracts.
“You always wonder if upsetting the fanbase is really worth it. It’s not going to make a huge difference but clubs are looking to squeeze that revenue line and earn a little bit more out of it wherever they can these days.
“Of course, West Ham are not the only clubs looking at this and one of the only ways you do that with matchday revenue is by charging higher ticket prices or reducing concessions and up the fee that way.
“In the grand scheme of things, it will be an uplift in revenue but I would say it would be more marginal than major.
“That’s where you run the risk of doing some damage with upsetting the fanbase as well.”
What has happened to West Ham concessions at the London Stadium?
The Hammers board backed Julen Lopetegui heavily in the summer transfer window and they will likely use that transfer spend to attempt to justify the change in ticket prices this season.
But it is just another example of football clubs treating their fans like consumers instead of supporters and for such a minimal financial uplift, this feels like a strange decision from those in charge at the London Stadium.
Hopefully, the protests will see the board come to their senses and make change sooner rather than later in East London.
In other West Ham news, Jamie Carragher has torn into one Hammers player for what he did in the clash with Brentford
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