The true cost of abandoning the Premier League season

Abandoning the 2019/2020 Premier League season could cost West Ham as much as £40m in lost revenue.

The loss of nine Premier League games would lead to a massive reduction in TV money from the broadcasters for every Premier League club and would be added to  potential cost of refunds to ticket holders and sponsors if games are permanently cancelled.

Club retail is also likely to be hit.

West Ham believes their total losses through the Coronavirus outbreak disruption could add up to more than £40m.

With an existing £40m hole in the West Ham finances for this season that could lead to total losses of over £80m without factoring in any relegation figures if the Premier League were to restart.

Club insiders say West Ham – like every club – is having to concentrate on keeping the club solvent during these unprecedented times while continuing to pay out huge contracted player wages with West Ham’s annual salary bill topping  £138.5m last season.