Newcastle United has released an impressive promotional video showcasing a proposed 65,000-seat stadium in Leazes Park, the strongest indication yet that the club is seriously considering leaving St James’ Park.

What does the video show?

Newcastle’s management presented two options to chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan and representatives of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF): building a new stadium or expanding St James’ Park. While an official decision has yet to be made, the club appears to favor the first option—especially if investors agree to cover the estimated £1.2 billion cost. The fact that Newcastle commissioned a promotional video for the project strongly signals their intent.

The video, shown confidentially to senior club officials and the fan advisory board, begins with aerial shots of the green spaces surrounding the historic Leazes Park before focusing on the proposed new stadium. Compared to earlier concepts, the venue has been moved deeper into the park, allowing Newcastle to continue playing at St James’ Park during construction, thus minimizing financial losses. The proposed stadium would be the second-largest club venue in England, designed as a multi-sport arena and entertainment hub capable of hosting concerts and major events. The project is expected to take around seven years to complete.

© Mark Walker

A tough battle for planning permission?

Newcastle is working with London-based architectural firm KSS and has already hired a planning consultant, although the club has yet to apply for a building permit. Securing approval could be challenging, as the project involves a protected conservation area in the city center, which could lead to legal disputes. A key bargaining point may be the club’s commitment to creating a new green space on the site of the current St James’ Park.

© leeahinton95

A bigger stadium means bigger revenue

Newcastle CEO Darren Eales has informed staff that the planned stadium capacity will be 65,000—an increase of 13,000—assuming full attendance at every match. The project is overseen by COO Brad Miller, who previously played a role in expanding East Midlands, Stansted, and Manchester airports. Miller told the fan advisory board that the new stadium, with increased corporate seating and additional entertainment facilities, could double the club’s matchday revenue.

Newcastle currently generates £37.9 million annually from matchdays—far less than Manchester City (£72 million), Arsenal (£103 million), Tottenham (£118 million), and Manchester United (£136 million). Boosting revenue is crucial for meeting the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations. Since stadium construction costs are considered an infrastructure investment, they could be funded by PIF and would not count toward the league’s financial restrictions.