West Ham Sale Speculation: What a Potential £1.5bn Takeover Could Look Like
West Ham United fans have increasingly called on David Sullivan to sell the club after a series of high-profile missteps, but any sale is likely to be complex.
The club’s turbulent start to the 2025-26 season — including Graham Potter’s sacking after just five games — has left supporters frustrated, even as Nuno Espirito Santo has managed to steady the team. Fans have openly expressed their dissatisfaction with Sullivan, who serves as chairman and the club’s largest shareholder, citing poor results and a perceived lack of ambition in the summer transfer market.
In late August, the supporters’ advisory board sent a letter of no confidence to the club’s leadership, highlighting concerns over an “ageing, uncompetitive squad, inadequate scouting infrastructure, and derided training facilities,” calling these issues “unacceptable.”
Valuing West Ham: Around £1.5 Billion
Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky purchased a 27% stake in West Ham for roughly £200 million in November 2021 but has yet to pursue a full takeover. Using that as a reference point, football finance expert Adam Williams estimates the club’s current value at around £1.5 billion.
“David Sullivan reportedly turned down a £650m bid for full control from Red Bull in 2016, and later Karren Brady mentioned offers around £850m were also rejected,” Williams explained to TBR Football.
“Club values have risen steadily over the years, with elite teams seeing around 10% annual growth. Applying that to West Ham, a £650m valuation in 2016 would roughly translate to £1.5bn today. Any serious bid would likely need to exceed £1bn.
“The Kretinsky deal provides a benchmark, but it’s for a minority stake, and the club doesn’t have a single majority shareholder, which complicates a full takeover. There could be mechanisms to compel minority shareholders to sell under certain conditions, but those details aren’t public.
“Also, there’s a difference between price and value — most club owners aren’t making profits day-to-day. Selling to the next buyer doesn’t necessarily guarantee financial return unless the club becomes truly profitable.”
Karren Brady Confirms Shareholders Have No Plans to Sell
Speaking on talkSPORT after West Ham began the season with a 3-0 loss to Sunderland, vice-chair Karren Brady confirmed that the majority of shareholders are not planning to sell.
“Following the passing of David Gold and his daughter Jacqueline, the family are carefully considering their shares,” Brady said.
“We’re a London club with a 67,000-capacity stadium (once council approval is granted), so there would certainly be interest. But we’re fortunate to have shareholders who love the club and want to do the best for it — and they are very much staying.”