Hull FC’s current user agreement runs out at the end of next season.
Hull FC remain in negotiations with the MKM Stadium’s SuperStadium Management Company (SMC) regarding a new user agreement to play at the facility and, despite Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı’s recent comments, are hopeful of finalising a positive outcome.
Ilıcalı, speaking at a Hull City Fans Forum event earlier this month, stated that Hull FC’s future at the venue is ‘in trouble’ after putting a vote to Hull City fans in attendance on whether they want the rugby league club to continue to play at the venue or not – the majority of which opted for no. He also aired his own desire for a ‘fair and equal’ deal.
Of course, Hull FC’s original user agreement to play at the MKM Stadium was for 25 years, meaning it runs out at the end of the 2027 season. However, Hull Live has been told by club sources that positive negotiations have continued with the SMC regarding a new user agreement, who operate the running of the venue on behalf of its owners, Hull City Council.
Negotiating a ‘fair and equal’ deal is as paramount to Hull FC as it is Ilıcalı. The club, who pay upwards of one million pounds per year to play at the stadium, are understood to have also laid out their position to the council, remaining in regular dialogue, and are confident of finding a solution that all parties are comfortable with.
Of course, a new stadium is not a viable option for Hull FC, something co-owner Andrew Thirkill was very vocal on back in January. The club’s full intention is to secure their future at the MKM Stadium beyond 2027 and finalise a new user agreement – and ideally as soon as possible.
Hull Live has been told there is no desire to let it drag on into next year, with a positive outcome hoped to be found by the end of this season. Hull Live have approached Hull FC for comment. However, no official line is coming from the club at this moment in time.