Paris Saint-Germain’s Ambitious Stadium Project
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is embarking on an ambitious project to establish a new stadium, drawing lessons from the innovative sports venues in Los Angeles, as noted by PSG’s CEO Victoriano Melero. With plans to move beyond their current 48,000-seat venue, Parc des Princes, PSG is conducting an in-depth exploration for alternative locations, focusing particularly on the areas of Massy and Poissy.
Vision for the New Venue
Speaking to Reuters in Los Angeles before the team’s upcoming match in the Club World Cup this Sunday, Melero emphasized the importance of this new undertaking. He expressed the team’s desire to develop a venue that integrates not just sports events but a broader entertainment experience.
“The next challenge is a new stadium,”
Melero stated.
“For the next year, we will analyze possibilities and make decisions that will shape our future, while taking inspiration from U.S. sports facilities.”
Inspiration from SoFi Stadium
SoFi Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility that debuted in 2020 and serves as home to NFL teams Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, exemplifies the type of venue PSG envisions. Melero praised the stadium for its multi-faceted role in the entertainment industry, saying,
“It’s incredible and much more than just a sports facility—it truly embodies the essence of entertainment and shows.”
The $5 billion venue in Hollywood Park not only prepares for pivotal sporting events, including the upcoming World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, but also hosts major concerts featuring stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.
Future Plans and Fan Experience
While PSG continues to utilize Parc des Princes in the interim, plans for their new stadium will unfold over the next year as officials weigh their options. The chosen locations in Massy and Poissy reflect a commitment to enhancing the fan experience, as the organization pursues a blend of athletic and entertainment options designed to diversify their revenue streams.
The American Influence on PSG
The role of U.S. fans and investors has proven crucial to PSG’s remarkable success, both on the pitch and commercially. Adrien Frier, the French consul-general in Los Angeles, highlighted the club’s unique position, calling it a “unicorn” in the sports world. He further noted the significant American influence on the team during an event in Beverly Hills that featured the prestigious Champions League trophy.
PSG’s Global Presence
Currently, PSG boasts a fan base of around five million in the United States, a growth partly attributed to their lucrative partnership with Nike’s renowned Air Jordan brand. In terms of ownership, U.S.-based Arctos Partners holds a 12.5% stake in PSG, while Qatar Sports Investments maintains majority control with 87.5%. The current overall valuation of the club stands at a remarkable $4.4 billion, reflecting its international clout and popularity.
