Industry expert: David Sullivan & Karren Brady could be primed to step down at West Ham
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Sun 19 April 2026 18:30, UK West Ham United owners David Sullivan and Karren Brady could step down at the end of the season, according to Keith Wyness.The former Everton chief executive, speaking to Football Insider, stated that a change of ownership at the Hammers could be on the cards.The London club are fighting to preserve their Premier League status on the pitch, whilst they’re in a dire financial position behind the scenes.Fans have protested throughout the campaign for Sullivan and Brady to leave the club, with their pressure having already seen the departure of director Tara Warren last December.West Ham’s business in the summer transfer window will be vital, with the club set to continue with an agent-led recruitment strategy. 💰West Ham United Finance Update💰 Inside the transfer budget, PSR compliance, ownership investment, and the latest London Stadium commercial news. VISIT THE WEST HAM FINANCE HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES ‘Question marks’ remain over West Ham ownershipEverton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes West Ham’s transfer model is “expensive,” and they need to start building for the future.Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness says he would “not be surprised” to see Sullivan and Brady leave the Hammers when the season finishes.Annual Net Loss£104.2mNet Debt£192mWage-To-Revenue Ratio77%Amortisation Charge£80.3mWest Ham United’s 2024-25 financial accounts.He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I understand it to a degree why it may be agent-led next season, but somehow West Ham have got to try and build for the future.
“It may have been 50-50 for the way you’re going to buy players, now it may be 70-30 in terms of having more experience. They’ve got to somehow find that blend, but I understand a little bit why they would have to go down that route.“It’s an expensive route, and we’ll have to see what happens with West Ham in terms of ownership.
There’s got to be questions about Sullivan and the ownership going forward.“The fans obviously have shown their unhappiness for many months now, many years even, with Sullivan and Brady. I wouldn’t be surprised to see something happening at the end of the season in terms of ownership there.”West Ham in talks over new shirt sponsorWest Ham have yet to confirm their front-of-shirt sponsor for next season to replace gambling company Boyle Sports.Wyness told Football Insider that West Ham could agree a £15m shirt sponsor deal with either Audi or Amazing Thailand.West Ham are believed to have been in talks with both companies, whilst other Premier League clubs are also targeting a partnership with Audi.The Hammers will be keen to get a deal done quickly, and for the highest fee, to aid their finances, although relegation to the Championship could hinder their plans. ⚒️ Don’t Miss a Beat: Your West Ham Insider Access Get the full story from the London Stadium and Rush Green with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from East London.