West Ham United chief David Sullivan is ready to spend
West Ham United chief David Sullivan is ready to spend
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West Ham United investment news shared amid Shaquille O'Neal update

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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West Ham are not aware of any investment interest from LA Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal despite a recent report, according to Sean Whetstone.

The Sun reported [26 June] that O'Neal is currently in talks to become a stakeholder at the London Stadium, having watched a Hammers game at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Whetstone, however, has argued against that story, reporting via the West Ham Football X account on Thursday (27 June) that club sources are not aware of any direct approach or talks with the basketballer.

"Club sources are not aware of any direct approach or talks with former LA Lakers basketball player Shaquille O’Neal over investment in West Ham," he wrote.

"A Sun story from Bizarre Editor Ellie Henman claims O'Neal got the Hammers bug after watching a game last season and has said he is interested in becoming a shareholder. Whether there has been an approach directly to the Gold family is unknown but West Ham themselves are not aware of it."

West Ham United investment talks debunked after earlier report

The Premier League and English Football League have become breeding grounds for American investment in recent seasons, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElheney's takeover at Wrexham the prime example.

While it is understood that David Sullivan has no interest in selling his shares at the club, as per the Daily Mail, it would be silly to discount investment from the likes of LA Lakers legend O'Neal straight away.

Having someone like O'Neal onboard could be great for the global exposure of the glove, especially in the United States, and might lead to a whole host of commercial opportunities.

While it is on the pitch that fans really want the club to grow, increasing those sort of opportunities would have a direct impact on that ambition.

It seems the links with O'Neal are nothing but rumours right now but it could be an evolving story to keep an eye on, especially with the sports star said to be a Hammers fan.

In other West Ham news, National media were wowed by what Hammers ace Michail Antonio did in Jamaica v Ecuador.

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West Ham United
Sean Whetstone
www.westhamzone.com