Barcelona Restructures Stadium-Related Debt to Extend Repayment Deadline

On Friday, Barcelona announced their decision to issue bonds worth 424 million euros (approximately $498 million) as part of a strategy to restructure the debt incurred from the renovation of the Camp Nou stadium. This move enables the club to delay their initial repayment deadline from 2028 to 2033.

In 2023, the esteemed Spanish football club secured financing of 1.45 billion euros (around $1.7 billion) from 20 investors, including notable names like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, aimed at upgrading their ageing stadium. The men’s first team is set to host a friendly match at Camp Nou on August 10, marking a partial reopening of the venue.

The club revealed in a statement that Goldman Sachs, serving as their financial adviser, played a crucial role in the restructuring of the 424-million-euro debt segment, which now allows for a complete repayment schedule spanning from 2033 to 2050.

Initially, under the 2023 agreement, the club was expected to repay the investors in incremental amounts over five, seven, nine, 20, and 24-year periods.

“The club is taking the necessary measures to guarantee a gradual and staggered repayment,” Barcelona explained. The average interest on the refinanced debt is set at 5.19%.

Barcelona anticipates that the revitalised stadium will enhance annual revenue streams by over 200 million euros, bolstered by sponsorship agreements, naming rights, ticket sales, catering, VIP services, and a variety of events.