Oxford United Secure Kassam Stay Until 2028 Amid New Stadium Push
The short-term extension gives U’s breathing room as planning decision looms for permanent Triangle site move
Oxford United Football Club will continue playing at the Kassam Stadium for up to two additional seasons following the signing of a short-term license extension with the Firoka Group.
The agreement, confirmed by both parties today (13 May), comes as a relief for the League One club, whose current license was due to expire in June 2026.
The new arrangement guarantees one extra year at the Kassam, with the possibility of a second year, conditional on the approval of planning permission for the club’s proposed new stadium at the Triangle.
Both Oxford United and Firoka Group have made it clear that no further extensions or new lease agreements will be considered after this period.
Oxford United Chairman Grant Ferguson acknowledged the critical nature of the agreement and thanked Firoka Group and Firoz Kassam for their cooperation.
“The Club was facing some very difficult decisions on where to play after our licence expired in June 2026 and before our new stadium is ready,” he said. “There has been a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes to get us to this point, and I would like to place on record my thanks to Firoz Kassam who personally oversaw the discussions which led to this short-term extension being signed.
“Agreeing this goes well beyond the terms of our existing arrangement and demonstrates Firoz’s support for the Club, particularly given this could potentially delay his plans for the site. We can now move forward with certainty as both parties look to the future.”
Firoz Kassam, the businessman behind the Firoka Group and former chairman of the club, described the decision as a pivotal moment for both the club and the development of the wider site.
“Oxford United have been a hugely important part of my life for over 25 years, but now is the right time for all of us to look to the next chapter,” Kassam said.
“Agreeing to this extension allows Firoka Group to focus on developing the wider site for local people and the city of Oxford, whilst providing the Club with clarity in the short-term. It’s now up to others to approve planning to guarantee Oxford United’s long-term future.”
The club remains focused on securing planning permission for its new, sustainable stadium development at the Triangle site, which it sees as essential to securing its long-term home and future growth.