West Ham United is set for a fresh ownership battle after Vanessa Gold agreed a provisional sale of her 25.1% stake to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, replacing an earlier agreement with Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský.
The Premier League club confirmed the proposed transaction will now enter a two-month pre-emption process, allowing existing shareholders to match the offer before the sale can be completed.
If finalised, the stake would be transferred to a consortium comprising PCP Capital Partners, led by Staveley and Ghodoussi, alongside Ashland Forest Capital Partners.
Křetínský could block the deal
The development threatens Křetínský’s plans to become West Ham’s largest shareholder.
The EP Group owner, who currently controls 27% of the club through 1890s Holdings a.s., had reached an agreement with the Gold family in June that would have increased his ownership to approximately 43% following David Sullivan’s resignation.
Responding to the latest announcement, Křetínský said his group is considering all available options, including exercising its contractual pre-emption rights.
“The agreement we reached with the Gold family in June provided stability for the club at a crucial time. Today’s announcement does the opposite,” Křetínský said.
“We will always act in the best interests of West Ham United and are reviewing all of our options, including exercising our pre-emption rights in full.”
Ownership balance remains uncertain
West Ham’s current ownership structure consists of David Sullivan (38.8%), Daniel Křetínský (27%), Vanessa Gold (25.1%), WHU LLC (8%), and other minority investors holding the remaining 1.1%.
Whether Staveley’s consortium completes the acquisition or Křetínský exercises his pre-emption rights will determine who ultimately gains greater influence over the club.
Championship return adds financial pressure
The ownership uncertainty comes as West Ham prepares for life in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League.
The drop is expected to significantly reduce broadcasting and commercial revenues, although the club will receive parachute payments over the next three seasons. Nevertheless, financial pressure could force player sales as West Ham looks to balance its books.
Stadium issue remains a long-term question
Staveley, who played a key role in the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s acquisition of Newcastle United in 2021, recently suggested that any future football investment would ideally include a significant real estate component.
That comment has renewed attention on London Stadium, which West Ham does not own and which has remained a contentious issue since the club relocated there in 2016.
Although there are currently no confirmed plans to acquire or redevelop the stadium, any investment in the venue could strengthen support among fans and align West Ham with the wider trend of infrastructure investment seen across European football.