Emirates, the world’s leading international airline, and Olympique Lyonnais (OL), a powerhouse of French football, have announced a significant five-year extension to their successful partnership.
The renewed agreement sees Emirates remain the iconic shirt sponsor of the Ligue 1 club until the conclusion of the 2029-2030 season, building upon their initial five-year collaboration that commenced in the 2020-2021 season.
This extension underscores the deep-rooted commitment of both organisations to fostering a powerful alliance and further strengthening their global reach. Emirates’ familiar “Fly Better” emblem will continue to grace the front of Olympique Lyonnais’ jerseys and training apparel for all Ligue 1 and prestigious European competitions, becoming a consistent symbol of the club’s ambition and international appeal.
Beyond the prominent shirt sponsorship, the comprehensive agreement ensures Emirates enjoys significant brand visibility throughout OL’s home ground, the Groupama Stadium. The partnership also encompasses valuable hospitality and ticketing privileges, alongside extensive marketing, advertising, and digital rights, allowing both entities to leverage their combined strengths to engage with fans worldwide.
A key element of the continued collaboration will be the focus on enriching the fan experience. Emirates and Lyon are set to continue their popular fan engagement initiatives, including the cherished player escort program, offering young enthusiasts the unforgettable opportunity to walk onto the pitch alongside their football heroes.
Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, expressed his enthusiasm and said, “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.
John Textor, Olympique Lyonnais Owner and CEO of Eagle Football Group echoed this sentiment, “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.”
Emirates’ connection to the vibrant city of Lyon extends beyond the football pitch. The airline pioneered direct air links between Lyon and the United Arab Emirates in 2012. Demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the region, Emirates currently operates a daily service to Lyon utilising its Boeing 777 aircraft and is set to upgrade to a daily Airbus A350 service starting in June 2025, further enhancing connectivity for fans and travelers alike.
This renewed partnership firmly reinforces Emirates’ strategic investment in sports sponsorships as a powerful platform to connect with a global audience, aligning the airline with the passion and reach of international football. For Olympique Lyonnais, the continued support of a globally recognised brand like Emirates signifies a strong endorsement of their vision and ambition on and off the field.
