Featured image credit: Station F
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has stepped up its drive to encourage innovation, particularly in the fields of stadium technology and fan experience, by becoming the first football club to create a sports accelerator at Station F, the world’s largest start-up campus.
Today’s (Wednesday’s) announcement comes after the Ligue 1 club last month launched PSG Labs, a global initiative designed to accelerate cutting-edge technology in sports, fan experience, and performance.
PSG Labs is serving as the club’s dedicated innovation engine, identifying and supporting high-potential startups, entrepreneurs, and tech partners to create “transformative solutions that will redefine the industry”.
PSG, which is owned by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), has already launched the first Regional Lab in Doha, with the tie-up with Station F granting it a base for the venture in Paris. Station F was founded by Xavier Niel, the billionaire CEO of French telco Free, back in 2017.
PSG Labs intends to give selected start-ups privileged access to the club’s expertise, infrastructure, and global network of fans, to develop, test, and scale their solutions across its international ecosystem. Station F has launched an initial application process for interested start-ups, with a deadline of April 20.
PSG is looking to support selected start-ups across three strategic areas:
• Fan Experience: Transforming the relationship between the club and its supporters through immersive technologies, digital platforms, and Web3 innovations.
• Stadiums & Training Facilities: Developing ‘smart stadiums’ and optimising club infrastructure to enhance the matchday and training experience.
• Health & Performance: Leveraging AI, biometrics, and wearable technology to optimise player performance and well-being.
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, said: “This unique collaboration – which brings together two leading French actors in Paris Saint-Germain and Station F – will build a brilliant bridge between sports and the very best start-up businesses.
“As a club, we are always finding new ways to harness innovation and bold ideas to fuel our future, and through this collaboration we are proud to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, who will grow together with Paris Saint-Germain.”
Niel added: “Station F and PSG share the same ambition: to make Paris shine. Together, we want to show the world that the future is built here. This collaboration will create the champions of tomorrow.”
The inclusion of stadiums and training grounds in PSG Labs comes as the club faces up to a decision over its future stadium strategy. In February last year, Al-Khelaifi stated that PSG would seek to move from the Parc des Princes following the City of Paris’ definitive declaration that the stadium is not for sale.
The City moved to end the prospect of PSG acquiring the Parc des Princes, with Mayor Anne Hidalgo stating “the subject is closed”. The Council of Paris voted in favour of ensuring that PSG’s current home will remain the property of the City and will not be made available for sale, as the club has been hoping.
Relations between the City and PSG over the future of the Parc des Princes have been at a standstill for some time. PSG is currently engaged in a 30-year lease deal for the Parc with the City, which is due to expire at the end of 2043.
PSG has been forthright in its belief that the acquisition of the stadium is essential to it conducting a proposed expansion from the current capacity of around 48,000 to 60,000. Speculation over a potential site for a new stadium has intensified in recent days.
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