TBR Football

Tottenham set a new benchmark in multi-function stadium design when they opened their 62,850-seater home ground in 2019, and their partnership with the NFL has been a wild success story.

The National Football League actually contributed around £10m in funds towards the construction of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which was purpose-built with the NFL’s spec in mind.

And though that sum was just a fraction of the overall £1.2bn cost of the North London arena, the deal was a show of commitment from the American football institution.

Tottenham have hosted the NFL’s London Games annually since 2019, with the exception of 2020, when the pandemic made the ultra-lucrative event impossible.

Spurs earned £106m in matchday income in 2023-24, down from £118m the previous season. When they release their accounts for 2024-25 in the spring, they are expected to set a new record in this department.

And they will almost certainly eclipse that new high watermark in 2025-26, with Thomas Frank’s side’s participation in the Champions League generating enormous ticketing revenue.

However, hospitality experiences and other stadium-linked commercial ventures, such as the 12-year deal with Sports Illustrated signed in September, mean the true value of the arena is far greater still.

The 2025 London Games began last Sunday with Minnesota Vikings beating Cleveland Browns 21-17 in front of a capacity crowd at N17.

And this coming Sunday, the Denver Broncos face the New York Jets in the final game at Spurs’ stadium.

After that, Los Angeles Rams – owned by Stan Kroenke of Arsenal fame – round off the London Games against Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley.

But how lucrative is the NFL’s British missionary work for Tottenham?

And with Spurs now granted a license to double the number of non-football events at the stadium, how much cash can they squeeze from it?

According to analysis from the investment bank Goldman Sachs, Spurs earned £55m from non-football events in 2023-24, which is the financial year for which Spurs have published their accounts.

That is inclusive of all events, such as the concerts and combat sports showpieces that Tottenham regularly host too.

In 2026, for example they will stage artists such as the Gorillaz and System of a Down, while Connor Benn’s rematch with Chris Eubank Jr will take place at the stadium next month.

Significantly, the number of events Spurs were permitted to host until relatively recently was capped at 16, but Haringey Council approved a license for 30 in August last year.

The NFL specifically are believed to pay Spurs in the region of £2m each time they use their stadium under the terms of their initial 10-year deal with the club.

That arrangement was extended in 2023 and will run until at least 2030. Tottenham also retain catering proceeds. And given that Spurs earn around £800,000 on an average football matchday at the stadium, the cut from the London Games will likely surpass the seven-figure mark too.

There are enormous costs associated for the club to bear too, of course, but they still make a killing on a net basis.

Spurs’ new deal with Sports Illustrated Tickets is the first under their ‘The Collective’ initiative, which they hope will lead to new commercial partnerships for each stand at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Sports Illustrated now have a significant sponsorship presence in the stadium’s East Stand, including with a new 3,000-capacity hospitality experience.

It appears to be a change in commercial strategy for Spurs, who had been looking for an overall naming rights partner for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since it opened six years ago.

Speaking exclusively to TBR Football, Liverpool University football finance lecturer Kieran Maguire assessed the new partnership.

“I think Spurs are setting a gold standard, being innovative in new types of relationships with sponsors,” said the Price of Football podcast host.

“Having the Sports Illustrated deal and other similar partnerships is a smart approach. If it works for this stand, it can perhaps be replicated elsewhere.

“Knowing Spurs, there is an opportunity there. We will wait and see, but they are certainly market leaders when it comes to monetising the badge or the real estate assets that they have.

“However, the fact that they haven’t managed to get naming rights over the line means the value of that would-be deal is diminishing every year.”

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur are refusing to rule out the prospect of Luka Vuskovic returning to the club in January.

Spurs are keeping regular checks on Vuskovic, as they do with all their loan players, and they were in attendance at the weekend to see him play a starring role in their 4-0 win over Mainz.

When leaving in the summer, the teenager was told to go and play and earn his spot at Tottenham Hotspur, and he is making a great fist of it thus far.

Thomas Frank wants a new central defender in the New Year, as TBR Football revealed, and they are doing their work on options.

Exclusive: Tottenham considering Luka Vuskovic

Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that Spurs could indeed recall Luka Vuskovic in January and would still want another defender signed.

Tottenham consider Vuskovic a top talent, and the defender has been quick to make a big impression in the Bundesliga.

Vuskovic has been called ‘insane’ by HSV fans following his latest impressive display for the German club against Mainz.

Following his seven goals last season for Westerlo in the Belgian Pro League, Vuskovic has already scored his first goal for HSV, with a brilliant header against 1. FC Heidenheim.

His impressive start to life in the Bundesliga has seen the German media nickname him ‘Air Vuskovic’, given his superb aerial ability.

Speaking about the defender’s situation, Bailey told TBR Football: “Vuskovic is doing very well, and at just 18, many scouts and clubs think he is one of the best young centre-backs in Europe.

“Speaking to sources close to the club, they acknowledge there is a clause that could see him return in January. Could we see Vuskovic come back and then wait until the summer? I would not rule it out.”

Radu Dragusin’s Tottenham future cast into doubt

One player who could be heading out of Tottenham is Radu Dragusin, who has struggled since making the switch to North London back in January 2024.

Dragusin has just returned to training following a seven-month injury layoff, having suffered an ACL injury back in January of this year.

TBR Football revealed back in July that Tottenham were open to selling Dragusin, however, the defender failed to secure a move away.

But with the defender now back fit, a return to Italy certainly could be on the cards in the January transfer window, especially with Spurs wanting another centre-back.

TBR Football can reveal that Thomas Frank is considering reintegrating one Tottenham Hotspur star back into his squad, but only on one condition.

Spurs have made a mixed start to life under Thomas Frank, as whilst results have been pretty positive, some of the performances have been questionable.

Tottenham Hotspur head into the international break sitting third in the Premier League and having suffered just one defeat in 11 matches under their new head coach.

The Danish manager is now open to making what would be a rather controversial move by bringing an exiled Spurs star back into his plans.

Sources: Thomas Frank open to reintegrating Yves Bissouma

Frank remains open to reintegrating Yves Bissouma at Tottenham, but only if the midfielder proves himself in training, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

The midfielder was exiled from Tottenham’s squad after reporting late for training on ‘just one too many’ times, according to Frank.

Harry Redknapp slammed Bissouma’s ‘lack of discipline’ following the incident ahead of the UEFA Super Cup final.

TBR Football revealed over the summer that Turkish clubs showed interest in Bissouma over the summer, but the move abroad fell through in the end.

Bissouma, who cost Tottenham £35m, has remained in N17 for now, and the possibility of him being helped back into Frank’s squad is not off the table just yet.

Speaking about Bissouma’s situation, Bailey told TBR Football: “Bissouma was close to leaving, with Turkish interest, and he didn’t want a Saudi move. There’s a chance he could be reintegrated, but I wouldn’t expect him to start.

“That said, Frank is a fair manager. If Bissouma shows up in training, works hard, and proves he can contribute, he will get his chance.

“Tottenham aren’t desperate for him. With players like Bentancur, Paulinha, Bergvall, and Gray in the squad, Bissouma is at the back of a long queue. He has the ability, but he has to show it.”

Thomas Frank is better off giving Archie Gray more minutes

Frank would be much better off handing those potential Bissouma minutes to Archie Gray instead, who has been impressing this season.

Peter Crouch is excited about Gray’s potential, and he is already a player who should be getting more minutes this season.

Despite his limited minutes, TBR Football understands that Gray wants to stay at Tottenham and fight for his place in the team.

The 19-year-old came off the bench against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League and played a key role in helping force the equalising goal.

Alan Shearer was full of praise for one Tottenham Hotspur star who he thought was really impressive against Leeds United, and it’s clear Thomas Frank must use him more often.

Tottenham Hotspur defeated Leeds United 2-1 over the weekend in a win which sees them head into the international break sitting third in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank’s team produced an impressive win at Elland Road, with Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus getting themselves on the scoresheet in West Yorkshire.

Following the win, Shearer has raved about one Spurs star, who really should be getting more minutes and especially after showing signs of getting back to his best.

Alan Shearer praises Destiny Udogie’s performance against Leeds

Alan Shearer has hailed the display of Destiny Udogie in Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Leeds, claiming that he was a real threat going forward.

The former Premier League striker thought that Spurs’ desire to get forward at pace was rather impressive, and the Italian defender played a key role in that.

BBC MOTD: “Udogie, who I thought was fantastic as well, from a defensive area, straight into forward positions.”

Udogie’s desire to get forward and travel with the ball is such an underrated trait from the 22-year-old and makes him one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.

Against Leeds, Udogie created one big chance and attempted two dribbles, in what was an impressive display from him, especially in the final third.

Udogie, who cost Tottenham £15m, struggled with injuries last season, but he looks to finally be getting back to his best.

Destiny Udogie should be starting ahead of Djed Spence

Subsequently, Udogie headed into the new campaign as Spurs’ second-choice left-back, behind Djed Spence.

Therefore, the 22-year-old hasn’t played a great deal of football this season, having made just three starts in all competitions.

Defensively, Spence has looked really impressive for Tottenham so far this season, but against Leeds, Spurs looked much better going forward with Udogie helping with the build-up play down the left side.

The Italian international appears to be building a good connection down the left with Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons.

Given Tottenham’s recent issues in terms of creating chances and getting forward, starting Udogie in fixtures in which they are likely to do less defending should be paramount.

Alan Shearer has given praise to a Tottenham Hotspur player who was excellent against Leeds United in the Premier League at the weekend.

Thomas Frank’s Tottenham side head into the international break with a well-deserved victory, emerging 2-1 winners against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus got their first Premier League goals of the season for Spurs, ensuring they took all three points and went into the international break sitting third in the table.

There were a number of good performances, but Kudus stood out among the rest for Newcastle United and Premier League legend Alan Shearer.

Alan Shearer on Mohammed Kudus

Speaking to the Premier League in his weekly Team of the Week column, Shearer chose Kudus as the only Tottenham player and claimed Leeds had no answer for his attacks during the fixture.

He wrote: “Leeds simply couldn’t stop Kudus as he scored the winner at Elland Road his first goal for Spurs – after assisting Mathys Tel’s opener.”

Kudus arguably had his best performance in a Spurs shirt yet, but there will be many more to come for the Ghanaian talent.

Signed for £55m from West Ham, the 25-year-old is injecting pace and dynamism into Spurs’ frontline, which pundits are definitely noticing.

Wayne Rooney also piles praise on Tottenham’s Kudus

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney also showed admiration for Tottenham’s new winger, stating he is a “breath of fresh air” at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

*“I think he has been a breath of fresh air. I think if you look at the stats from today’s game he is first in everything – duels won, successful dribbles, shots, touches in the opposition box. He has had real impact for Tottenham this season.

“He has got four assists this season, joint first in the Premier League, and he has by far had the most successful dribbles in the league.

“All that was missing was the goal and I think that goal today will push him to the next level. He has been a real top turner,” he told BBC Sport.

A superb signing from Frank, Kudus will surely be one of Spurs’ key players as the season goes on. After the international break, Tottenham face Aston Villa, who have refound form. Kudus, once again, will surely be integral in that fixture.

TBR Football can exclusively reveal how Tottenham Hotspur are really feeling about Xavi Simons’ start to life in the capital.

Tottenham signed Simons for £52m in the latter stages of the transfer window to finally bring in the number ten they had been so desperate to recruit.

Glenn Hoddle is excited by Simons and believes that when he gets going, Frank’s team will really start to click in attack.

But it’s not been all positive for the forward at Spurs, with some of Simons’ performances for Tottenham being called into question.

The North London club have a very clear stance on the 22-year-old, having now had five weeks to assess their big summer signing.

Exclusive: Tottenham believe Xavi Simons will become a ‘superstar’

Tottenham are confident that, over time, Xavi Simons will become a ‘superstar’ in North London, having already been so impressed by him, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

Simons played well against Leeds as he featured in the number ten role, and it was no coincidence that the Lilywhites looked much improved offensively.

Speaking about the Dutch international’s start to life at Spurs, Bailey told TBR Football: “The belief in the club is that they have a potential superstar; they have been so impressed with him.”

Meanwhile, the player himself is also believed to be delighted with his decision and feels he made the right move joining Spurs.

“Thomas Frank is taking his time finding the best role, but that is true of much of the squad. But he loves what he is seeing. The player is happy, committed and feels he made the right choice in the summer,” Bailey added.

Having now featured in his favoured number ten role and impressed, the youngster will be hoping this is his chance to finally kick on at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Peter Crouch calls Xavi Simons a ‘work in progress’ after watching him vs Leeds

Peter Crouch has called Simons a ‘work in progress’ after watching his display in Tottenham’s latest 2-1 win over Leeds at Elland Road.

The former Spurs striker believes he ‘does things no one else on the field can do’, but he had some questionable moments, including a failed rabona pass.

“I think I’d say he’s a work in progress, an undeniable talent. I love watching him play. He does things no one else on the field can do, but there were a couple of incidents.

“Obviously, the rabona when Romero has gone flying forward, I don’t think if they had scored, he might have had a few words in the dressing room about that.”

Tottenham Hotspur will be keeping close tabs on Mikey Moore at Rangers, even more so following the sacking of Russell Martin.

TBR Football understands that Martin convinced Moore to join Rangers, ahead of several big Championship clubs.

But following a 1-1 draw away at Falkirk, the Scottish giants opted to sack their manager and are now searching for his replacement.

Thomas Frank thinks Moore is a ‘big talent’, so he will be worried that the winger is struggling during his loan spell in Scotland.

Exclusive: Mikey Moore could return to Tottenham in January

Mikey Moore’s chances of returning to Tottenham Hotspur are increasing with the North London club assessing his Rangers loan, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

The 18-year-old’s fortunes in Scotland have not been great, with the youngster struggling to keep his place in the team.

Rangers fans have been quite critical of Moore, and there is a great deal of frustration when he is starting, as he did against Falkirk.

The Lilywhites are now ‘concerned’ about the teenager’s situation at Ibrox and are thinking about whether to recall him at some stage.

Bailey told TBR Football: “The club are concerned, like when any loan player is not playing. It is not so much the club he is at, that is not their business, whether a loan club is doing well, their only concern is the player.

“He could be back at the club in January, but that is the same with any loan player; they are assessing it.”

It’s unlikely that Spurs will act until they have learned the new manager’s plans for the young winger, who might not be quite as willing to hand him game time.

Moore faces strong competition from Djeidi Gassama for the left winger spot at Rangers, with the former French youth international impressing this season.

Mikey Moore struggles in Rangers’ 1-1 draw with Falkirk

During Martin’s final game in charge of Rangers, Moore struggled once again in the club’s 1-1 draw with Falkirk.

The winger was taken off after 61 minutes as Rangers looked for a second goal; however, they ended up conceding and dropping points.

Moore started on the right wing, with Gassama on the left, and it’s clear the youngster is not quite as effective out on the right.

Spurs will be hoping that the next manager will be able to get more out of their academy star and hand him more minutes in his preferred position.

Tottenham have made a good start to the new Premier League season, with Thomas Frank helping to drag the team out of the slump they suffered last campaign.

While there were some high points, such as Spurs winning the Europa League, the lack of consistency proved to be a problem under Ange Postecoglou.

With his exit confirmed and the arrival of Thomas Frank, there was an understanding that the football may not be as free-flowing at its best, but won’t be anywhere near as bad at its worst.

Tottenham fans have already had a taste of that, with a few tough performances so far, but often backed up with some important points.

It sees the club go into the second international break of the season in third, just two points away from the top.

Involved in that run was Tottenham’s recent win over Leeds, which saw three players singled out for praise from Alan Shearer.

Alan Shearer singles out Mathys Tel, Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie for praise at Tottenham

Tottenham’s impressive start has been helped by some top performances within the squad, as Thomas Frank gives his stars a platform to impress.

At times, it’s been the attacking flair of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons which has dragged them through, while the importance of defensive duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven cannot be overlooked.

However, it was three other players who were singled out for praise from Alan Shearer when speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast.

He claimed: “I think the big difference for Spurs yesterday was Leeds had more possession, had more shots, had the better chances and put Spurs under huge pressure at times.

“But I think what impressed me was how good Spurs were on the transition, on the turnover. Got the ball forward quickly, two full-backs were great, I thought, in Porro and Udogie.

“And you’ve got to give great credit to Mathys Tel because he’s left out of the Champions League [squad].”

It’s some big praise for all three, who did impress when called upon for Tottenham during the match.

Perhaps it points to not only the work Frank has done in giving his team a base to improve from, but the squad depth now at his disposal.

Thomas Frank left emotional over Mathys Tel impact at Tottenham

After last season’s loan spell, Tottenham decided to make their loan move for Mathys Tel permanent, signing him from Bayern Munich.

That came with plenty of confusion, however, with the signings of Simons and Kudus seemingly relegating his position in the squad.

There was further doubt as Tel was left out of the Champions League squad, raising plenty of eyebrows over the deal.

Given how he has responded, however, it’s clear that he is still a player Tottenham can have great hopes for.

Frank revealed his emotional response to his goal against Leeds after the game when he told the press: “I’m almost emotional about him, so happy for him. I think the character he’s shown for a young man just really impressed me from day one, but of course, after a setback, not coming in the Champions League squad, not being an established player, maybe playing a good position where I really can see him play and I think he’s taking steps.

“Also been picked a little bit for the left. So, just keep training well, which he does. He trains well every day.

“Stayed at home when we went the Bodo the whole team, trained well. Just ready today. Big praise to Cameron [Campbell] and Justin [Cochrane] to work with Mathys and the way we worked with him – a fine game against West Ham as a striker, to a better game against Doncaster, where he arrives more in the right areas.

“I know he could have scored two goals, but as I say, he arrives there because we trained and we showed clips.

“To the next level today, where I think he worked hard, he scored a good goal. I know there was a little deflection, but the connection was good. He has a header, other good situations. So, very, very pleased.”

It shows Tel can offer plenty to Tottenham, even if he hasn’t made quite as instant of an impact as he would’ve hoped.

Peter Crouch and Joe Hart have both been singing the praises of one Tottenham Hotspur youngster who has been impressing them under Thomas Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur have had mixed fortunes under Thomas Frank so far, with results being pretty positive, although some of the performances have been questionable.

The North London club won 2-1 away at Leeds United, as Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus found themselves on the scoresheet in West Yorkshire.

Ahead of the game, Crouch and Hart raved about one Spurs star who they are both backing to be a ‘top’ player in the near future.

Peter Crouch backs Archie Gray to succeed at Tottenham

Peter Crouch is backing Archie Gray to be a huge success at Tottenham, having been so impressed by him last season.

Gray, who Clive Allen also rates, hasn’t played a great deal of football so far this season, but he has shown very promising glimpses when he has featured.

During the week, Frank compared him to Rodri and Declan Rice, to which Crouch told TNT Sports: “I think his attitude last year was first class, there were some difficult moments – the young lads really stepped up to the plate, I thought Bergvall was similar.

“As good as Rodri? That’s a big call, that’s a Ballon d’Or winner, but he’s got all the attributes to be a very successful player in this division.

“It’s nice to see him in those kinds of situations, too much last year he was playing as a centre half for the majority of games and he coped with it really well.

“Especially with all the injuries around him, he stayed fit, he stayed focused, he didn’t let his head drop, he continued to want the ball, and I think now we’ll see the progression of him moving further forward and becoming the player we all know he can be.”

Last month, TBR Football revealed that Gray wanted to stay at Tottenham and fight for his place despite having only played 89 minutes at that stage.

The 18-year-old will be hoping for more game time soon, though, having been used as just a squad player for now.

Joe Hart on Archie Gray being ‘key’ for Tottenham

Meanwhile, Joe Hart believes that Gray is already a ‘key’ for Tottenham and applauded Frank for putting his trust in the youngster so far.

The Danish head coach brought him on against Bodo and the midfielder rewarded him by helping force the equaliser in Norway.

“Last season was a difficult season for Tottenham, he was in some really tough moments and playing out of position and Ange Postecoglou really relied on him, as did his teammates and he really stepped up,” Hart told TNT Sports.

“He looks like a top player, he seems like a lovely kid who just wants to keep getting better, and he’s got great genes and family name to follow in and I’m sure he’s going to have a really top career.

When asked about Frank comparing him to Rodri, the former Spurs keeper said: “Yeah, he’s part of the squad, and for Thomas Frank to be saying stuff like that, he wouldn’t say it lightly.

“He will have seen in Bodo, the Arctic Circle, this week that he had a big say in nicking a point, and that’s what you’ve got to do, you’ve got to rely on your bench.”

Tottenham Hotspur recorded a crucial away win at Leeds United, and Jermain Defoe has highlighted one player who is now key under Thomas Frank.

Thomas Frank’s team finally returned to winning ways in the Premier League as they beat Leeds United 2-1 at Elland Road.

Goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus sealed the win in West Yorkshire and sent Spurs into the international break sitting in third place.

Analysing the win at Leeds, Defoe has picked out one Spurs star player who really impressed him and who he now considers to be the ‘main man’.

Jermain Defoe is a ‘massive’ fan of Mohammed Kudus at Tottenham

Jermain Defoe has admitted that he is now a ‘massive’ fan of Mohammed Kudus at Tottenham following his goal against Leeds.

The former Spurs striker is not his only big fan, with Wayne Rooney also backing Kudus to kick on after netting his first goal for the club.

Kudus, who ‘never loses the ball’, was on fire at Leeds as he set up Tel’s opening goal, before also opening his account for the season.

Speaking about his love for Kudus, Defoe told Premier League Live: “Oh, massive. I just felt like everything he did today, he was probably the main man. Every time his teammates got it, he was the one they looked at to try and create something.

“Deserved the goal, he works hard for the team, he did his work back, but every time he lands on it, you just feel something is going to happen. Technically, he’s just so good and took his goal really well.”

The 24-year-old will hope that his first goal will now be the moment he really bursts into life in North London following a hugely impressive start.

Jermain Defoe thinks Xavi Simons had his ‘best performance for Tottenham’ against Leeds

Defoe believes that Xavi Simons had his ‘best performance for Tottenham’ against Leeds as he was finally put in the number ten role.

The Spurs legend backed Frank to just give players like Simons the freedom to go and create chances, as he did against Daniel Farke’s team.

“They created a few more chances, I just felt like at the top end of the pitch when you’ve got players you don’t need to coach, probably just let them go and play free,” added Defoe.

“I think Xavi Simons had his best performance for Tottenham, where he could just roam and pick up those little pockets, receive it on the half turn, and players in and around have to try to make runs. I just thought he was fantastic.”