Emirates and Olympique Lyonnais have announced the extension of their partnership until 2030. The airline will continue as the main shirt sponsor for the revered French football club. Boutros Boutros, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand at Emirates, stated, “We’re pleased to announce our extended commitment to Olympique Lyonnais – one of the most loved and respected teams in France. We began sponsoring Olympique Lyonnais in 2020 and the partnership has yielded significant brand visibility for Emirates. We share values of excellence, community engagement, and an innovative spirit, and we will continue building on our collaborative success.”
The partnership ensures Emirates’ brand will remain visible on Olympique Lyonnais’ playing jerseys and training kits until June 30, 2030, across all matches including Ligue 1 and European tournaments. Emirates will also continue to hold substantial branding rights at Groupama Stadium.
John Textor, Olympique Lyonnais Owner and CEO of Eagle Football Group, remarked, “We are delighted to continue our journey alongside Emirates for the next five seasons and to explore the many opportunities that lie ahead. The trust that has been built between our teams since 2020 will continue to grow, bringing our fans unforgettable moments of sharing and escape through football.”
Beyond branding, Emirates will provide hospitality tickets, player access, marketing, advertising, and social rights. The airline will also offer young fans memorable player escort experiences. This initiative last year involved collaborations with local organizations to enhance the experiences of more than 23 children at matches.
In addition, Emirates sustains other sponsorships in France, serving as a proud sponsor of UAE Team Emirates and as the Official Airline and Premium Partner of Roland-Garros.
Emirates maintains strong ties to France, having launched direct flights from Lyon to the UAE in 2012. The airline plans to upgrade its current Boeing 777 service to a daily A350 service from June 2025, further linking the region to its global network.
