Daniel Kretinsky has become the largest shareholder of West Ham United after striking a deal with the Gold family to acquire their 25% stake in the club. The Czech billionaire will hold 46% of the London Stadium club following the transaction, which also sees David Sullivan's stake increase from 38.8% to 40% as he remains on the board. The agreement ends Amanda Staveley's immediate hopes of investing in West Ham and brings to an end months of ownership uncertainty that had spread beyond a critical summer transfer deadline. As reported by BBC Sport, the formalities around the deal are expected to be completed inside a month, with both Kretinsky and West Ham United declining to comment further until the process is finalised. Fans can check the latest fixtures for upcoming matches.
Where Kretinsky fits in the West Ham ownership structure
The deal represents a significant shift in the club's financial landscape, with Kretinsky's 46% stake now exceeding Sullivan's 40% and the remaining shareholders holding just 3% of the club. Vanessa Gold had previously agreed to sell a portion of her shares to Kretinsky, having earlier announced an agreement to sell her entire stake to Amanda Staveley earlier this summer. Tripp Smith will increase his ownership in West Ham United to 11% as part of the restructured ownership picture. The independent regulator is looking at Sullivan's status at West Ham United, with the IFR's enquiries into the suitability of David Sullivan under the ODSE regime active and ongoing. For more information on the current squad and their performance, visit our website.
What the fee means for the summer budget
While the financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed publicly, the deal comes at a time when West Ham are preparing for life in the Championship after securing promotion from League One. The ownership change arrives ahead of a important season where the club will be aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League. The uncertainty that surrounded the ownership situation throughout the middle of summer had already spread beyond a transfer deadline seen as being of critical importance in the club's quest to secure an immediate return to the top flight. Check the latest stats to see how the team is performing.
Where he fits in the full squad
On the pitch, West Ham sit 12th in the Championship with a goal difference of +1, having scored 8 and conceded 7 from their opening four games. The team's recent form reads WDLD, and they are currently 5 points behind leaders Swansea in the title race. Next up is a home fixture against Derby on 2026-09-05, with midfielder Tomáš Souček currently sidelined. The squad will be looking to build on their early season performances as the new ownership structure takes shape behind the scenes. Visit our standings page for the latest league table.
Why the regulator is examining Sullivan's role
The independent regulator's ongoing enquiries into David Sullivan's suitability under the ODSE regime add another layer of complexity to the ownership transition. With both Kretinsky and West Ham United declining to comment further until the formalities around the deal are completed, all eyes will be on how the regulatory process unfolds alongside the on-field action. The deal has effectively ended any immediate possibility of a Staveley investment, leaving Kretinsky as the dominant figure in the club's governance moving forward. Fans can also check the injuries page for the latest updates on player availability.
League standing: 12th in Championship, 5 pts, 1W-2D-1L from 4 games, recent form WDLD. Goals this season: 8 scored, 7 conceded (+1 goal difference). Title race: 5 points behind leaders Swansea. Next fixture: vs Derby (at home, 2026-09-05). Currently sidelined: Tomáš Souček.
