Wolverhampton Wanderers' relegation from the Premier League could lead to a 20% reduction in city spending, according to local business leaders. The club will be playing in the Championship next season for the first time since 2018.
Key points
Wolves relegated from the Premier League
City spending may decrease by 20%
Local businesses could be negatively affected
Wolves will play in the Championship next season
West Ham's draw confirmed Wolves' relegation
Mentioned in this story
Birmingham Business School
Wolverhampton WanderersWest HamCrystal Palace
General view of the Molineux stadium at dusk. A man in a orange and red scarf is standing in the foreground
Next season Wolves will be playing in the Championship for the first time since 2018 [Action Images/Reuters]
Business leaders have predicted Wolves relegation from the Premier League could cut spending in the city by a fifth.
While it came as a devastating blow to fans, local shops, pubs and taxis might begin to feel the pinch from a lack of global attention, Professor John Bryson, of Birmingham Business School, warned.
"I would assume there could be a 20% reduction in the spend that the city has seen from matches. It all depends on what happens with visitor numbers travelling from a distance," he told BBC Radio WM.
"For a city like Wolverhampton, its global reputation is partly linked to the success of football teams that are doing well, so if you're in the Premier League that really matters.
"If you drop out, there's no way you can spin this as a good news story."
Q&A
How much could Wolves' relegation reduce city spending?
Wolves' relegation may cut city spending by 20%.
What impact will Wolves' relegation have on local businesses?
Local shops, pubs, and taxis might suffer from decreased global attention and spending.
When was the last time Wolves played in the Championship?
Wolves last played in the Championship in 2018.
Which team confirmed Wolves' relegation from the Premier League?
West Ham's draw at Crystal Palace confirmed Wolves' relegation.
Related Articles
Sports
A'ja Wilson? Caitlin Clark? Who to take with the No. 1 fantasy women's hoops pick
ESPN News·
Soccer
Rosenior was out of his depth at Chelsea, and it was obvious from the start
Liam Rosenior's time at Chelsea ended after just 106 days amid criticism.
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports·Feature
WNBA to broadcast record 216 games nationally
Exciting news: WNBA will broadcast a record 216 games nationally in 2026!
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Nev: Chelsea owners don't have a clue - fans will be disgusted how this has gone
Gary Neville criticizes Chelsea's management for firing Liam Rosenior, marking their fifth managerial change in four years.
Sky Sports··1 min read
Sports·Feature
Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti refuses offseason appearances, except for Indy 500
Indiana's Curt Cignetti Focuses on Team, Avoids Offseason Events
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Why Clemson edge rusher T.J. Parker makes sense for the Patriots at No. 31
Clemson's T.J. Parker could be the Patriots' choice at No. 31 in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He left after finishing 13th and, despite a 10thâplace finish under Bruno Lage in 2022, Wolves have slowly slipped further down the table each season - to 13th, 14th and then 16th last season.
Despite this, some hope remains for the city, and newcomers to the hospitality and nightlife scene have been highlighted for bringing visitors in on nonâmatch days.
A woman with straight blonde hair and a peach blazer is smiling at the camera against a white background
Sarah Moorhouse said a boost in the city's leisure scene would still attract visitors to the city [Black Country Chamber of Commerce]
"It's a real shame that Wolves have gone down, but there are things to be cheerful about in the Black Country," said Sarah Moorhouse, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
"There have been some exciting new additions in the city centre â you've got P.A.C.K Perfect Ale, Cask & Keg, Lockworks Cinema and WV1 Cocktail Bar â so hopefully these will become more established venues and continue to thrive.
"You also can't ignore that The Halls has been a huge success and is drawing people into the city on nonâmatch days, which is still helping pubs, restaurants, coffee shops and hotels generate revenue."
Bryson agreed that "Wolverhampton is much more of a complex economy than its football team", adding the club has shown resilience before.
Professor John Bryson - a clean-shaven balding man with glasses is weaing a dark grey suit with a blue shirt and tie and sat on a red Midlands Today sofa and looking to the left
Fans might see a drop in season ticket prices, Professor John Bryson said [BBC]
He said: "This happened before when it was relegated in 2012, and it managed to recover.
"The issue is whether the team will attract longâdistance travellers to matches, because if there's a significant drop, local spend will be hit.
"But there is some good news in that seasonâticket prices may drop by 25%, so football could be cheaper for those who want to attend."
Continuing the message of hope, the city's mayor urged fans to continue visiting the city and supporting the team.
He posted on Facebook: "Our players need to feel that the city is right behind them. Let's show the world that even in a difficult season, Wolves fans are the most loyal and passionate in the country.
"The work to bounce back begins now. With your support, I have no doubt we will find our way back to the top flight. "
