Lyon, France and Dubai – Ligue 1 football club Olympique Lyonnais has named Emirates as its new Official Main Sponsor after signing a new five-year partnership on Thursday.
The agreement, brokered by Infront, a Wanda Sports Group Company, means the iconic Emirates “Fly Better” logo will appear on the front of Olympique Lyonnais' training kits and playing jerseys for all Ligue 1 and European matches until June 2025. In addition to shirt sponsorship, the agreement will provide Emirates highly visible branding across the Groupama Stadium – Olympique Lyonnais' home ground – as well as hospitality, ticketing and other marketing rights.
Olympique Lyonnais has one of the best football records in France and has competed in European club competitions for 23 consecutive years.
Jean-François Jeanne, Infront France Managing Director said: "Infront France is extremely proud to have contributed to the relationship between these two prestigious brands. This partnership will help the development plan established by Olympique Lyonnais over the last few years and will consolidate Emirates' market position in France. This agreement will demonstrate once again the high return on investment that can be achieved by brands that choose to communicate through sport."
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Group Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates said: "It has been Emirates’ long-standing strategy to engage and connect with our customers across the world through sports. With Olympique Lyonnais, we’ve found a partner that mirrors our “Fly Better” brand promise of striving to achieve the highest levels of success, and there is already a connection between Lyon and Dubai with Emirates’ daily flights between both cities. This partnership is more than just a commercial deal, but also reinforces Emirates' investment and economic contribution to both the Lyon region, and France as a whole, a country where we have been present for nearly three decades.
"We are thrilled to have Olympique Lyonnais, a team that resonates with fans both locally and globally, join our prestigious Football sponsorship portfolio."
Jean-Michel Aulas, President of Olympique Lyonnais said: "The arrival of Emirates represents an incredible opportunity for our club and our city. We are delighted to be accompanied by a true world-class leader. Emirates embodies elegance and quality of service and is a premium brand with a proven track record in football and sports sponsorship. This long-term partnership is an excellent opportunity for both brands. We are grateful to the Emirates team for their confidence in us and look forward to working together."