James Jones
West Ham is one of the richest and most valuable clubs in world football.
In Forbes’ 2024 list of most valuable football clubs, West Ham were ranked 16th globally, with an estimated valuation of $1.1billion. That’s ahead of the likes of Inter Milan, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
But who owns West Ham and what is their combined net worth? We all know the key players at the head of the club, with David Sullivan being the majority shareholder and recent club investor Daniel Kretinsky, who bought a large share of the club in 2021.
But who else has a major shareholding in the club, how did they acquire their fortune and what is their net worth?
In light of recent reports that NBA-legend Shaquille O’Neal is in talks with West Ham over a potential cash investment, we’ve taken a look at each of the club’s major shareholders and their individual net worth. O’Neal has a net worth of approximately £500m.
David Sullivan (Net Worth: £1.168bn)
Embed from Getty ImagesSullivan holds a controlling share of 38.8% at West Ham after purchasing the club alongside David Gold in 2010 for around £50m.
The Welshman made his fortune in the adult industry, including shops, low-budget movies, magazines and newspapers. Meanwhile, he also operates an investment company called Conegate, which owns property on Oxford Street, including Russel & Bromley’s flagship store.
He and Gold previously owned Birmingham City between 1993 and 2009.
In the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List, Sullivan was ranking 150th with a net worth of £1.168bn, which was up nine places from the previous year.
Daniel Kretinsky (Net Worth: £6bn+)
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Czech billionaire saw his net worth increase by £2bn over the last year, with his place in the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List climbing 14 places to 33rd. His current net worth is now believed to be £6bn.
Kretinsky has made his fortune through shrewd investments in the energy industry, as well as being the owner of Czech football club Sparta Prague. He currently has a very diverse portfolio of business investments via his holding company, Vesa Equity, including Foot Locker, Sainsbury’s and Royal Mail.
In November 2021, Kretinsky acquired 27% of West Ham alongside his colleague Pavel Horsky and both remain on the board of directors.
More recently, the 48-year-old has made headlines in the UK for his attempts to buy Royal Mail for £5bn, which was recently has been formally agreed by the parent company’s board.
Vanessa Gold (Net Worth: £81m)
Vanessa Gold inherited a 25.1% share of West Ham United following the passing of her father, David Gold, who passed in January 2023, and her sister Jaqueline Gold just a few months later.
While David Gold didn’t write a will for his £130m fortune, Vanessa was named the administrator of his estate. According to Company Check, she has a personal net worth of £81m.
The Gold family also owns Ann Summers, of which Vanessa is now company chair following the passing of her sister, who was instrumental in the retailer’s success in the UK since she was appointed Executive Chair in 1981.
In October 2023, Vanessa announced her intention to sell part of her shares in the club and had appointed Rothschild & Co to advise on any sale.
Albert “Trip” Smith (Net Worth: est. £1bn+)
The internet is very tight lipped on the true net worth of the American billionaire, who sold his company GSO Capital Partners to The Blackstone Group for $1billion in 2008, just three years after founding the company.
After leaving the firm in 2018, he went on to start Iron Park Capital Partners in 2019.
In 2017, Smith purchased a 10% stake in West Ham. Upon Kretinsky’s investment in the club in 2021, his shareholding was reduced to 8%.
West Ham owners’ estimated net worth
With four major shareholders at the club, it’s estimated the entire net worth of all four is in the region of £8-9bn.
