PSG hits the jackpot with Emirates extension

Ligue 1 football club Paris Saint-Germain has agreed a five-year extension to its partnership with Emirates, according to French media reports.

Ligue 1 football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has agreed a five-year extension to its partnership with Emirates in a new deal that represents a four-fold increase in value over the current contract, according to French media reports.

The Dubai-based airline’s new agreement with the Ligue 1 champion will run through to the end of the 2018-19 season. Le Parisien newspaper reports it will be worth a basic €20m ($26.2m) per season, rising to €25m depending on sporting results.

Emirates first partnered with PSG in 2005, followed by a shirt sponsorship commencing in the 2006-07 season. Its current deal, reportedly worth around €5m a year, was due to expire following the end of the 2013-14 season.

As a result of the new partnership, Emirates will continue to enjoy branding in the Parc des Princes stadium, PSG’s home, as well as the Fly Emirates logo on the team shirt and access to the stadium’s premier hospitality facilities.

“This agreement strengthens the relationship between Paris Saint-Germain and Emirates and gives to each partner the opportunity to achieve worldwide brand recognition, simultaneously enhancing the image of each partner through increased global awareness,” said Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of Paris Saint-Germain.

Thierry Antinori, Emirates executive vice-president of passenger sales worldwide, added: “This is the perfect time for Emirates to re-sign with Paris Saint-Germain given the club’s new international players and ongoing success in the French championship, as Ligue 1 champions, as well as the European championship. Our sponsorship of Paris Saint Germain is a strong platform to further extend our brand presence in France, as well as the many other football focused nations that we fly to globally.”

Emirates' football sponsorship portfolio includes a number of high profile teams, events and governing bodies including FIFA, Asian Football Confederation, Arsenal, AC Milan, Hamburger SV, Real Madrid, Olympiacos, Arsenal Soccer Schools Dubai, the Emirates Cup and Zain Saudi Professional League.