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<h1>West Ham United ownership, governance and finances since the move to the London Stadium</h1>
<p>This article provides a concise and factual review of West Ham United’s ownership, governance and financial performance since 2012, covering the period from the move to the London Stadium through to the most recent audited accounts. All figures are derived from official filings and publicly available material.</p>
<h2>Summary</h2>
<ul>
<li>Profit after tax of <strong>£58.5 million</strong> for the year ended 31 May 2024, driven largely by <strong>£96.3 million</strong> in player sale profits.</li>
<li>Operating profit before player trading of <strong>£54.6 million</strong> and turnover of <strong>£268.2 million</strong>.</li>
<li>Wages to turnover ratio of <strong>59.3 percent</strong>, consistent with Premier League norms.</li>
<li>Shareholders’ deficit improved to <strong>£108.4 million</strong> at 31 May 2024 (from £169.6 million the prior year).</li>
<li>Cash at bank stood at <strong>£33 million</strong> and net debt continued to fall year on year.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Ownership timeline</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>2010</strong> — David Sullivan and David Gold acquire controlling stakes in West Ham United.</li>
<li><strong>2012</strong> — Karren Brady joins the board as vice-chairman to oversee operational restructuring.</li>
<li><strong>2016</strong> — The club moves to the London Stadium under a long-term lease after contributing £15 million towards conversion costs.</li>
<li><strong>November 2021</strong> — Czech investor Daniel Křetínský acquires a <strong>27 percent</strong> holding through 1890s Holdings a.s and joins the board with Pavel Horský.</li>
<li><strong>January 2023</strong> — David Gold passes away; <strong>Vanessa Gold</strong> later appointed to the board.</li>
<li><strong>2024</strong> — Ownership remains stable with the Sullivan family retaining majority control and the Křetínský partnership continuing.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Governance and structure</h2>
<p>West Ham United Football Club Limited is the principal subsidiary of <em>WH Holding Limited</em>. The board includes principal shareholders and executives responsible for day-to-day management, with representation from minority investor 1890s Holdings. The club’s governance framework reflects Premier League requirements, including published statements on risk, sustainability, and going concern. Annual accounts are lodged with Companies House and follow UK accounting standards.</p>
<h2>Financial performance</h2>
<p>The table below summarises key financial figures extracted from the audited accounts of West Ham United Football Club Limited for the most recent two financial years.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-table">
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Year ended 31 May</th>
<th>Turnover (£m)</th>
<th>Operating profit (£m)</th>
<th>Profit after tax (£m)</th>
<th>Wages to turnover</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>2023–24</td><td>268.2</td><td>54.6</td><td>58.5</td><td>59.3%</td></tr>
<tr><td>2022–23</td><td>235.4</td><td>53.3</td><td>(16.2)</td><td>57.5%</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption>Extracted from audited accounts for the years ended 31 May 2024 and 2023. Figures rounded to one decimal place. [1]</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>Balance sheet summary</h3>
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<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Item</th>
<th>31 May 2024 (£m)</th>
<th>31 May 2023 (£m)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>Cash at bank</td><td>33.0</td><td>35.1</td></tr>
<tr><td>Total shareholders’ deficit</td><td>(108.4)</td><td>(169.6)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Creditors within one year</td><td>396.6</td><td>342.6</td></tr>
<tr><td>Creditors after one year</td><td>93.2</td><td>146.7</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption>Figures as stated in the consolidated balance sheet. [1]</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Charts</h2>
<p>Insert your chart images into the placeholders below.</p>
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<img src="[upload revenue chart here]" alt="Revenue trend since 2012" />
<figcaption>Revenue trend since 2012</figcaption>
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<img src="[upload wages chart here]" alt="Wages trend since 2012" />
<figcaption>Wages trend since 2012</figcaption>
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<img src="[upload net debt chart here]" alt="Net debt trend since 2012" />
<figcaption>Net debt trend since 2012</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Stadium and lease</h2>
<p>The club occupies the London Stadium under a long-term concession agreement that began in 2016. Public records confirm a £15 million contribution by the club towards conversion works. The lease and subsequent information release under tribunal order are part of the London Legacy Development Corporation’s published documents. [4][5]</p>
<h2>European participation and comparison</h2>
<p>West Ham United have participated in European competition in three of the last four seasons, including victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023. Financially, the club ranks mid-table in the Premier League by revenue and comfortably within UEFA’s financial sustainability limits.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-table">
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Club</th>
<th>Revenue 2023–24 (£m)</th>
<th>Wages 2023–24 (£m)</th>
<th>European participation (5 years)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>West Ham United</td><td>268</td><td>159</td><td>3 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>Newcastle United</td><td>250</td><td>187</td><td>1 season</td></tr>
<tr><td>Aston Villa</td><td>260</td><td>171</td><td>2 seasons</td></tr>
<tr><td>Brighton & Hove Albion</td><td>204</td><td>146</td><td>1 season</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption>Comparative figures from club filings and UEFA submissions for 2023–24. [8]</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Outlook</h2>
<p>The club’s financial position is stable, with improved equity, manageable debt and sustained Premier League income. Ownership remains secure under the Sullivan family with continued partnership from Křetínský’s 1890s Holdings. Stadium costs are fixed and predictable. Provided continued top-flight participation, West Ham United appear positioned for moderate and sustainable growth with capacity for measured investment in squad and infrastructure.</p>
<h2>Sources</h2>
<ol>
<li>West Ham United Football Club Limited, <em>Annual Report and Financial Statements, year ended 31 May 2024</em>, Companies House filing.</li>
<li>West Ham United Club Statement, 10 November 2021, confirming acquisition of 27 percent by 1890s Holdings a.s.</li>
<li>Press coverage of the 27 percent investment and board appointments, The Guardian, 2021.</li>
<li>London Stadium concession documentation, London Legacy Development Corporation.</li>
<li>Public tribunal rulings regarding disclosure of the concession agreement.</li>
<li>Companies House records confirming appointment of Vanessa Gold as Director, 2023.</li>
<li>UEFA Financial Sustainability Regulations, 2024.</li>
<li>Club annual reports and UEFA submissions for comparative clubs (Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion).</li>
</ol>
<p><em>All monetary values are in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest million. Figures are drawn from published accounts and verified public sources.</em></p>