FC Nantes owner Waldemar Kita has signed a preliminary agreement to sell the football club to an investor group led by businessman Paulo Tavares for an estimated 100 to 125 million euros. The transaction puts the 19-year ownership under review as financial experts evaluate the club’s market worth following its relegation to Ligue 2 for the 2026-2027 season.
Preliminary Agreement and Valuation Details
Waldemar Kita, who purchased the club in 2007 for under 10 million euros, has entered exclusive negotiations with the investor syndicate led by Paulo Tavares. According to reports from Presse Océan and additional sports economics analysis, the proposed sale price ranges between 120 and 125 million euros, though broader market valuations span from 60 million to 150 million euros based on recent French football transactions such as RC Strasbourg’s buyout and RC Lens’s corporate valuation.
Economic Standing and Financial History
Luc Arrondel, a CNRS researcher and sports economics specialist interviewed by Presse Océan, notes that the club’s financial positioning relies heavily on historic broadcast rights and historical league participation. Financial records across a decade-long span from 2014 to 2023 reveal a cumulative net result of 644,000 euros, supported by an exceptional revenue peak exceeding 80 million euros in 2023 driven by UEFA Europa League participation and CVC capital distribution.
Asset Evaluation and Stadium Infrastructure
Transfermarkt data places the professional squad’s market value at 94 million euros, featuring prominent assets such as Matthis Abline valued at 18 million euros, Nathan Zézé at 15 million euros, and Moses Simon at 12 million euros. However, sports analysts highlight that the club lacks direct ownership of its stadium, Stade de la Beaujoire, and the La Jonelière training center, as both remain municipal properties following the collapse of the YelloPark infrastructure project.
Keep reading