Barcelona agree two long-term deals to boost club revenues

Barcelona have identified two new sources of income as they continue efforts to improve the club’s financial position, with agreements reached with Ohana Development and Babylon Park.

The deals still require approval from Barcelona’s delegated members at the club’s General Assembly on 19 September. However, all parties already hold part of the terms, and the agreements are expected to provide Barcelona with recurring revenue over a number of years, according to AS.

The more significant agreement financially is with Ohana Development, a property development company from the UAE. It consists of two separate elements, including a licence to develop a Barcelona-branded residential project in the UAE.

The development will include commercial areas, entertainment spaces and residential units linked to the Barcelona brand. The club’s branding will remain part of the project until 2055.

The agreement also includes a sponsorship contract running until 2030. Ohana Development’s logo will appear on the back of the shirts worn by Barcelona’s men’s and women’s first teams during the 2027-2028, 2028-2029 and 2029-2030 seasons.

The sponsorship will not apply to the UEFA Champions League.

Across the two elements of the agreement, Barcelona could receive €65m. Around €40m would come from the sponsorship deal covering three seasons. The remaining €25m will be distributed at a rate of €1m per season until 2055.

The second agreement concerns Spotify Camp Nou itself. Babylon Park, a company specialising in the operation of indoor amusement parks, will receive a long-term concession to develop a Barcelona-themed family entertainment centre within the stadium.

The contract provides for a 25-year licence. The structure is important to Barcelona because it goes beyond receiving a fee for the use of the club’s name.

The agreement also guarantees Barcelona a minimum level of revenue, while the club will receive a share of the income generated by the entertainment centre.

The arrangement with Babylon Park is in line with Barcelona’s strategy of using Spotify Camp Nou throughout the year rather than relying solely on matchdays.

Barcelona’s revenue has already surpassed €1bn, but the club needs to continue increasing its income to meet its financial obligations and fund investments linked to the Espai Barca project.