Exclusive: Leeds set to land extra £15m after stadium expansion update
Leeds United are set to land more than £15million in extra revenue after their Elland Road expansion plans have been approved, sources have told Football Insider.
49ers Enterprises has been exploring ways to expand Leeds’ stadium since taking over the club from former owner Andrea Radrizzani in July 2023.
Daniel Farke’s side submitted planning permission for the development last summer, with Leeds City Council considering the plans over the past few months.
It was confirmed on Thursday (8 January) Leeds have received the necessary approval to increase Elland Road’s capacity from 37,645 to 53,000.
Sources say adding just over 15,000 new seats will provide the Yorkshire giants with more than £15m in additional matchday revenue.
How Leeds’ owners could finance Elland Road expansion
The development will see the West Stand and the North Stand expanded at Elland Road, while alterations will be made to the South Stand.
Alongside the stadium receiving Uefa Category 4 status, it will also become the seventh-largest ground in England.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness previously told Football Insider Leeds’ owners have the financial power to help fund the club’s stadium expansion plans.
“The council’s right behind Leeds United in doing this,” said Wyness.
“If you’ve been up there, then you’ll know that Elland Road’s on the way into Leeds. It’s a great regional development tool for Leeds as well. It’s a great city, Leeds. I love going there and it’s just something that I think will go well because the council are right behind it.
“They’ve got great owners with the pockets to be able to do this. I expect zero hitches in terms of getting Elland Road back into being a showpiece stadium again. I’m pleased for them.”
Leeds are one of several Premier League clubs looking to increase their stadium capacity, with Manchester United, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest all currently exploring development projects.
How much revenue do Leeds generate?
The Elland Road expansion will help Leeds’ owners achieve their ambitious plans for the club.
The Athletic reported in September details around a leaked 50-slide deck, where the 49ers group laid out its plans for Farke’s side over the coming years.
The ownership group currently estimates Leeds to be worth £527.5m, with that figure projected to increase to around £1bn by 2030.
Leeds posted a record-breaking Championship revenue in their latest published accounts for 2023-24 despite seeing their turnover fall from £189.7m in 2022-23 to £127.6m.
Meanwhile, matchday income at Elland Road actually increased slightly from £29.9m to £30.6m across the same period.
After achieving promotion back to the Premier League last season, Leeds currently sit 16th in the table, eight points above third-bottom West Ham after 21 matches.
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