Sunderland AFC has announced the next phase of its multi-year investment programme, with significant enhancements to be delivered across the Stadium of Light and Academy of Light during summer 2026.
Marking the third consecutive summer of major transformation, the latest phase of investment underlines the club’s long-term ambition to strengthen Sunderland AFC’s status in the Premier League.
This summer’s programme includes multi-million-pound investment into stadium infrastructure, including premium executive boxes, alongside further improvements designed to enhance experiences for supporters, players, partners, and staff.
At the Stadium of Light, a new LED perimeter advertising system will be installed ahead of the new campaign, enhancing the visual experience on matchdays while creating new commercial opportunities for the club and its partners.
Across the club’s football operations, significant investment is also being made at the Academy of Light to further develop elite performance environments for the men’s team, women’s team, and academy teams.
This includes upgrades to pitches, the modernisation of first-team training facilities across multiple spaces, and the introduction of new technologies to support performance, preparation and recovery.
The club is also investing in the complete refurbishment of its office environments at Black Cat House to create a workspace reflective of the progressive nature and ambition of the business.
Supporting this work is an ongoing technology roadmap spanning both internal and external functions, designed to enhance operational efficiency, supporter engagement, and overall experiences across the club.
“Following our return to the Premier League, this latest phase of investment reflects both the ambition and long-term vision we have for Sunderland AFC,” said interim CEO Tom Burwell.
“This is not about short-term change – it is part of a multi-year commitment from the ownership group to build a club that is sustainable, progressive, and capable of competing at the highest level across every area of the business.
“From the Stadium of Light to the Academy of Light, we are continuing to invest in our infrastructure, our people, and the experiences we deliver. Significant progress has been made over the past two summers, and this next phase will ensure we continue to evolve and modernise in a way that reflects the scale, identity, and future ambition of Sunderland AFC.”