London Stadium seeks to cut sports events and expand concerts in Newham

London Stadium, owned by the Greater London Authority, has submitted a planning application to Newham Council to reduce its annual sports events from 87 to 70. The proposal also seeks to increase the number of concert days from 10 to 24. The changes aim to address the venue’s £19 million annual operating loss, which has persisted despite hosting West Ham United matches.

West Ham United’s relegation to the Championship has worsened the stadium’s financial position. The club’s annual rent will fall to less than half of the £4.6 million it paid while in the Premier League, as confirmed by London Stadium chair Lyn Garner during a London Assembly meeting last month. Garner described the 2025/26 financial year as "particularly bad", citing only two summer concerts held at the venue.

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Impact on West Ham matches and local residents

A spokesperson for London Stadium stated that the proposed changes would not affect West Ham United’s matches or the stadium’s capacity of 62,500. The club is entitled to play its matches under the existing concession agreement, which does not allow for 70 matches in a single year. The remaining sports events would be used for athletics, baseball, or international friendlies, typically numbering two to three per year.

The application also includes a request to raise the noise limit for concerts. Currently, noise is capped at 75 decibels for six events and 65 decibels for the remaining four, measured one metre from nearby residential buildings. The stadium seeks to standardise the limit at 75 decibels for all concerts, arguing that this would allow it to compete with venues like Wembley and Tottenham Stadium, which have more lenient noise restrictions.

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There is no impact on West Ham matches or their capacity (62,500). West Ham are entitled to play matches at the stadium as per the concession agreement, under which there is no circumstance they could play 70 matches a year.

London Stadium spokesperson

Next steps for the planning application

Newham Council’s planning officers have advised that the proposed changes do not require an environmental impact assessment. London Stadium LLP plans to submit a formal planning application later this month. If approved, the new conditions would allow the venue to host more concerts, potentially increasing revenue to offset its annual losses.

Residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the application once it is published by Newham Council. The council will consider the proposal alongside feedback from the public before making a decision.