Revealed: Leeds United on track for £40m boost after Elland Road development
Leeds United can grow their matchday revenue to over £40million a year at a new stadium, Football Insider has been told.
Following their takeover of the club this summer, the 49ers Enterprises have laid out plans to expand Elland Road.
Football Insider revealed in July that the 49ers have already drawn up plans to expand Elland Road to a capacity of 55,000.
The Daily Mail added that Leeds’ new ownership group have put aside £200million for stadium development once the side returns to the Premier League.
It is understood that plans will be delayed while Leeds remain in the Championship, and the Whites have started their 2023/24 campaign poorly with a draw to Cardiff and a loss to Birmingham City.
Viva Mukherjee, a chartered accountant and football finance analyst, told Football Insider that a stadium expansion could help Leeds increase revenues by as much as 65 per cent.
“The current capacity of Elland Road sits at 37,890, and plans to expand the stadium seem to involve rebuilding or renovating the West Stand to grow capacity to 55,000.
“Leeds’ latest accounts stated matchday revenue was £24.5million in 2021/22.
“During that time, their average attendance was brilliant, with fans filling an average of 96 per cent of the capacity over the Premier League calendar.
“That £24.5million figure was achieved despite Leeds having the second-lowest season ticket prices in the Premier League at an average of £646.
“They also have a 22,000 waiting list for their season tickets, so filling a 55,000-capacity stadium won't be an issue.
“Overall, I expect matchday revenue to rise to £40.4million at a new stadium - a 65 per cent increase on current revenue.”