Matmut Ends Naming Rights for Bordeaux Stadium Amid Club's Decline
The Matmut group has announced it will not renew its naming contract for the Grand Stade de Bordeaux, which has been in place since 2015. This decision comes as the stadium has been left without a professional club following the administrative demotion of the Girondins de Bordeaux to National 2. The contract, which generates approximately two million euros annually, will officially conclude in July 2025. Matmut cited a "lack of consistent recurring visibility" as a primary reason for the non-renewal, confirming reports from Sud Ouest.
Financial Struggles for Bordeaux Stadium and Girondins
The end of the naming rights adds to the financial challenges facing the stadium, which is owned by the Bordeaux metropolitan area. The Girondins de Bordeaux, once a six-time French champion, have seen their rent significantly reduced from 4.7 million euros per year to just a few tens of thousands of euros in technical costs per match due to their current status in the fourth division. The stadium, which has a capacity of 42,000, was constructed at a cost of 310 million euros for Euro 2016 and is under a public-private partnership that requires reimbursement until 2045.
Future Prospects for the Stadium and Club
Christine Bost, president of the Bordeaux metropolitan area, expressed disappointment over Matmut's withdrawal but remains hopeful about the club's potential resurgence. The Girondins are currently in 4th place in their group and have qualified for the Coupe de France, where they will face Rennes on December 22. Bost mentioned that various scenarios for the future of the stadium and club are possible, including the potential for a new buyer to take over. The stadium's operating company, SBA, has projected annual losses between two and three million euros, raising concerns about its sustainability if not actively utilized.
