West Ham United is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations with two major companies, Allianz and Stage Front, for a potential stadium naming rights deal, writes the COS. The London Stadium, home to the Hammers for almost eight years since their move from Upton Park, could undergo a rebranding if the deal, estimated to be around £20 million, comes to fruition.
According to a recent report from Football Insider, German financial powerhouse Allianz and United States-based ticketing company Stage Front have emerged as strong contenders for the prestigious sponsorship. This follows the breakdown of talks between West Ham and telecommunication giant Vodafone.
The potential naming rights deal holds substantial financial weight, with both companies eager to associate their brand with the Premier League. Allianz, particularly, failed in their bid to secure a front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Chelsea earlier this year, making them keen on establishing a significant presence in English football.
The London club currently pays approximately £2.5 million annually in stadium rent to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). A successful naming rights agreement, nearly ten times the current rent, would significantly contribute to offsetting these operational costs.
The report suggests that Allianz, as frontrunners in finalizing the deal, is motivated to secure a prominent association with West Ham’s iconic home ground. If successful, this partnership could mark a significant milestone for the Hammers and enhance their financial standing in the competitive landscape of English football.