Navegante
Well-known member
- Joined
- 14 Feb 2018
- Messages
- 1,054
Just out of interest, and this is a genuine question as I have know idea and am too lazy to do the research, how many clubs do actually own their own stadiums now?
How about Reading, MK Dons, Brighton for example? Even Tottenham, will their new stadium be owned by the club or the investors who own the club?
The club owning their own ground seems an outdated concept now and doesn’t necessarily need to be considered a concerning or worrying situation.
It depends on the type of owners of course, and that’s still the massive question, we all as OUFC supporters, have..
I believe the majority of English clubs own. Couple of notable exceptions being Man City and West 'am - both of whom benefitted from lucrative agreements after their respective stadiums were used for the Commonwealth/Olympic games.
On the continent, often it is the local council who own the stadium e.g. only 3 Serie A clubs own. Whilst the rents are relatively low, the club loses control on any development which could generate more revenue streams. I think this was a key driver for Juve to build their own stadium after renting the Stadio Della Alppi.
If OUFC were to pay a more reasonable rate of rent, play in a stadium fit for purpose and get to keep some of the revenues it generates on match day (hospitality, catering etc) then certainly we would be better off. At least that way no major financing required (significant headaches for Arsenal & Spurs).
Our current arrangement has to be one of the worst deals out there I would imagine.