League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Trades

Daniel Kretinsky becomes largest shareholder of West Ham United

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 9:58 PM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Daniel Kretinsky becomes largest shareholder of West Ham United

Summary

Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky has reached a deal to acquire a 46% stake in West Ham United. The agreement effectively makes Kretinsky the club's largest shareholder and concludes a process that saw him secure shares previously held by the Gold family. This transaction triggers existing pre-emption rights, which provides an obstacle to the ownership ambitions of former Newcastle director Amanda Staveley. Despite his resignation as chairman in June, David Sullivan will see his own stake rise to 40% as part of the restructuring. Tripp Smith also increases his stake to 11% under the terms of the agreement. The independent regulator continues its active inquiry into the suitability of David Sullivan, though this latest ownership shift is not expected to trigger a further examination.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Daniel Kretinsky increases his stake in West Ham to 46%.
•David Sullivan increases his ownership to 40%.
•Tripp Smith raises his share of the club to 11%.
•The transaction excludes Amanda Staveley from the ownership process.
•The independent regulator's inquiry into David Sullivan remains ongoing.

Latest Updates

10:39 PMThe Guardian Sport — Daniel Kretinsky to become biggest West Ham shareholder in blow to Amanda Staveley
9:58 PMYahoo Sports — Kretinsky agrees to become largest West Ham shareholder
9:52 PMBBC Sport — Kretinsky agrees to become largest West Ham shareholder

What they're saying

"
Royal Mail owner made agreement with David Sullivan Staveley was pushing to buy stake in the club Daniel Kretinsky is set to become the biggest shareholder at West Ham after striking an agreement with David Sullivan, dealing a blow to Amanda Staveley’s hopes of buying a stake in the Championship club. Staveley was a guest at the London Stadium for West Ham’s 4-2 win over Wolves earlier this week and was pushing to buy Vanessa Gold’s 25.1% stake in the club. The British businesswoman, previously a director at Newcastle, had struck a deal with the Gold family in July and was fronting a consortium looking for a way on to the east London club’s board. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Jacob Steinberg