West Ham make an expansion bid, hoping to add 5,500 fans to each game at the London Stadium, making it the Premier League’s second-largest stadium after Old Trafford.

West Ham make an expansion bid, hoping to add 5,500 fans to each game at the London Stadium, making it the Premier League’s second-largest stadium after Old Trafford.

West Ham is planning to apply to have the capacity of the London Stadium increased to 68,000 on match days.

The Hammers and the London Legacy Development Corporation, who own the London Stadium, have reached an informal agreement that will increase the number of supporters by 5,500.

Despite the stadium being expanded to hold 68,013 fans last year, licensing regulations limit the capacity for West Ham games to 62,500. On match days, the extra seats are empty.

The increased capacity would make West Ham’s stadium the second largest in the Premier League, trailing only Old Trafford. According to sources, the club and LLDC have an informal agreement in place, and a formal agreement could be reached within the next two years. The extra capacity is expected to be implemented in time for the 2026-27 season.

Minor changes, such as increased catering and toilet facilities, are expected to be made before the capacity can be increased.

West Ham would pay an extra £200,000 in rent under the terms of their lease, increasing their annual payment from £3.5 million to £3.7 million.