French Government Signs 30-Year Concession for Stade de France with GL Events
The French government has signed a 30-year concession agreement with GL Events for the operation of the Stade de France, marking a new chapter in the stadium's management.
Key Points
- • A 30-year concession contract signed with GL Events for Stade de France.
- • The concession follows a two-year negotiation process and will take effect on August 5, 2025.
- • GL Events will fully fund investments for modernization, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
- • The previous operators, Vinci-Bouygues, were unsuccessful in contesting the concession process.
On June 17, 2025, the French government officially signed a significant 30-year concession contract with GL Events, designating it as the operator of the Stade de France. This agreement concludes a rigorous two-year negotiation process and is set to transition operations to GL Events starting August 5, 2025.
The contract represents a pivotal moment in the management of the iconic stadium, which has hosted numerous major sporting events since its construction. Sports Minister Marie Barsacq and Minister of Economy Éric Lombard were present for the signing, marking a commitment to enhance the stadium's role in French sports through improved management practices.
Key aspects of the agreement include significant investments by GL Events aimed at modernization, accessibility, and energy optimization, all financed by the concessionaire. Lombard emphasized the importance of the Stade de France's future, stating that the new concession reflects the government's dedication to maintaining a sustainable and effective management model for the venue.
This decision follows the rejection of a legal challenge posed by the previous concession holders, a Vinci-Bouygues consortium, which administered the stadium for thirty years. Their attempts to contest the concession award were dismissed by both the administrative court and the Council of State. Barsac hailed the deal as a "significant advancement for stadium sustainability and prestige," reinforcing Stade de France's position as a premier destination for both national and international events.