Wasps plan new ‘Wasps Nest Stadium’ and return to Premiership by 2025-26

Wasps are seeking funding for a new 24,000-capacity stadium development and are targeting a projected return to the top flight for the 2025-26 season as part of an ambitious rebuilding plan following the club’s financial collapse last autumn which saw them ejected from the Premiership.

The club’s vision, as outlined in documents seen by the Guardian, involves a new permanent home in the M40 corridor to be known as Wasps Nest Stadium. The proposed complex, which is intended to be fully operational by 2027-28 would also include a hotel, conference facilities and community leisure opportunities, with work potentially commencing in 2025 subject to planning and other permissions.

Wasps fell into administration in October, with 167 players and staff being made redundant, but have been cleared to resume playing in the Championship from next season. As things stand, it is understood the club’s existing training ground in Henley-in-Arden could potentially satisfy the criteria to stage competitive league matches.

This year a DCMS committee concluded the demise of Wasps and Worcester were “a stain on the reputation” of the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby who were accused of “inert leadership” and warned the financial situation of Premiership teams was “clearly unsustainable”.

A number of former Wasps players, however, remain committed to resurrecting the club and re-establishing it as a viable Premiership concern. Under the strapline “Stung … but Resilient” the club’s stated vision is “to be an inspirational sports business” with promotion back to the Premiership in 2025 seen as a key element of the business plan.

Financially the aim is for rugby revenues to account for less than 50% of Wasps total revenues by 2028, with