Newcastle owners make new stadium decision as major update emerges
Newcastle United’s owners are considering their stadium options as they look to boost the club’s revenue.
Newcastle have been exploring their stadium plans over the past couple of years, with both options of renovating St James’ Park or building a new ground on the table.
It is believed the favoured option is to build a new facility with a capacity of just under 70,000 at nearby Leazes Park, making it significantly bigger than the 52,000 St James’ Park holds.
Newcastle had been hoping to announce their stadium plans in early 2025, but club chiefs are aware of the importance of the decision as they continue to weigh up the situation.
Newcastle United face stadium delay after new reveal
While there have been few updates on the stadium situation of late, a new development has now emerged.
The i Paper reported on Thursday (13 November) Newcastle have given Uefa cast-iron assurances St James’ Park will still be standing in its current situation in the summer of 2028.
Eddie Howe’s side were initially hesitant to commit to hosting games for Euro 2028 due to their stadium situation, but they have now agreed to become part of the bid and will host five games throughout the tournament.
The newspaper said there will be no update on Newcastle’s stadium plans before 2026, while sources have indicated there is a realistic prospect the status quo will remain until the second half of 2028 at the earliest.
Manchester United announced plans to build a 100,000-seater stadium earlier this year as part of the government’s regeneration of the Old Trafford area.
However, unlike Newcastle, Man United have withdrew from the Euro 2028 bid due to their stadium plans.
How much could Newcastle’s potential new stadium cost?
Despite the uncertainty, Newcastle have opened talks with lenders over a financing deal for their stadium development, which is expected to cost at least £1billion if they decide to build a new ground.
Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider Newcastle’s owners can borrow “whatever they want” to finance the project due to their significant wealth.
The Tyneside club are majority owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), with the Reuben Brothers holding a minority stake at St James’ Park.
In terms of the financial situation at St James’ Park, Newcastle smashed their club-record revenue in 2023-24 after their overall turnover surged from £250m in 2022-23 to £320m.
That was boosted by an increase in matchday income, which improved from £38m to £50m across the same period.
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