PSG’s Bold bid to own Parc des Princes sparks a stadium-stakes showdown

PSG’s Controversial Bid to Own Parc des Princes

Paris Saint-Germain, the French club, is hoping to capitalize on an electoral pledge to push a controversial deal that has dominated French media over the last two years.

Club officials want to take ownership of Parc des Princes, PSG’s home stadium, by purchasing the venue. However, Paris city hall and Anne Hidalgo, France’s sports minister, are not enthusiastic about selling the stadium.

Facing a long-standing impasse, PSG shifted focus toward building a new venue and has already identified two potential sites for a future home, Bouasi and Massy.

A feasibility study on the project has begun, with results expected by autumn 2026.

Channel reports suggest that leading Paris mayoral candidates want to persuade PSG to stay at Parc des Princes rather than move away.

Socialist candidate Emmanuel Grégoire says that if elected, he would reopen talks with Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG’s president, to ensure PSG remains at the historic stadium.

Le Parisien notes the incumbent Paris deputy will soon submit proposals, weighing three options: sell the stadium, lease it for many years, or fund expansion at the club’s expense.

This report could revive the debate about PSG’s future at Parc des Princes.

Le Parisien also cautions that club approval of any option remains uncertain amid the ongoing clash between Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Anne Hidalgo, which has long colored this issue.

The club’s real estate division reportedly no longer works on Parc des Princes matters and has quietly put the file on hold, preparing for any contingency.

Rachida Dati, a leftist candidate, is considering the Socialist majority’s approach and believes it’s time to change tactics on this file.

The Republican candidate has not put forward a concrete proposal, aiming to start from scratch and keep doors open to any outcome, including a possible sale.

Le Parisien adds that Dati does not oppose the idea of selling the historic stadium.

What is the history of Parc des Princes?

The Parc des Princes opened on July 18, 1897, and its capacity was expanded on April 23, 1932. It was demolished on July 8, 1967 and rebuilt, reopening on April 23, 1972 with a current capacity of 47,929 seats.

The venue has hosted numerous sports events in different disciplines, including cycling, rugby, boxing, and football.

Parc des Princes has staged FIFA World Cup matches when France hosted in 1938 and 1998, European Championship finals in 1960, 1984, and 2016, the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

It has also hosted 33 Coupe de France finals, four Ligue 1 finals, and multiple Super Cups in France.

In addition, the stadium hosted three European Cup/UEFA finals (1956, 1957, 1981), the Cup Winners’ Cup finals (1978, 1995), the UEFA Cup/Europa League final in 1998, and the 1996 UEFA Super Cup.

How many titles has PSG won in its history?

Founded on August 12, 1970, PSG has become the dominant force in French football, especially after the Qatari takeover in 2011. The club has won Ligue 1 13 times, Coupe de France 16 times, Coupe de la Ligue 9 times, and the Trophée des Champions 13 times.

PSG also boasts four continental titles: the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1996) and the Intertoto Cup (2001), plus the ultimate continental glory, the UEFA Champions League, won in 2025, followed by the UEFA Super Cup for the first time. The club also finished as runners-up in the 2020 UEFA Champions League and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

And yes, they did it all while negotiating the most dramatic lease deals in football history. If you’re keeping score at home, the turf has more plot twists than a transfer window blockbuster.

Punchlines: If PSG buys Parc des Princes, the stadium will finally have a home field advantage that isn’t just about the fans—it's about the paperwork too. And if not, Paris will keep the drama; after all, drama is half the home atmosphere here.