Milan, Italy - In a landmark agreement that promises to reshape the future of football in Milan, Serie A giants AC Milan and Inter Milan have officially sealed a historic deal to acquire the San Siro area for a massive €1.2 billion stadium project. The announcement, made earlier today, marks the beginning of a new era for two of Europe's most iconic clubs, paving the way for a state-of-the-art stadium complex in the heart of Milan.
The agreement with the Municipality of Milan involves the purchase of the San Siro Great Urban Function, including the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza and its surrounding areas. The completion of the transaction, executed through Stadio San Siro S.p.A., was made possible through financing from international banking institutions such as Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan, along with the clubs' banking partners, Banco BPM and BPER Banca.
While the official figures point to a €197 million deal to purchase the land, the entire project, encompassing the stadium and urban regeneration, is valued at €1.2 billion. This ambitious undertaking underscores the commitment of both clubs and their respective owners, RedBird and funds managed by Oaktree, to long-term sporting success and sustainable growth.
The new stadium, designed by architectural firms Foster + Partners and MANICA, is set to be a world-class venue that meets the highest international standards. Envisioned as a new architectural icon for the City of Milan, the stadium will have a reduced seating capacity of 71,500, with a greater focus on corporate boxes. This strategic decision aims to significantly increase matchday revenue for both clubs, bringing them closer to the financial performance of top European clubs like Real Madrid.
Beyond the stadium itself, the €1.2 billion project includes significant urban regeneration initiatives for the San Siro district. Plans include the construction of new parks, restaurants, a hotel, a museum, and shops, creating a vibrant center of excellence that extends beyond matchdays. This holistic approach aims to redefine the urban space through innovation, sustainability, and accessibility, benefiting the entire city of Milan.
The timeline for the project is ambitious, with construction slated to begin in 2027 and the goal of having the new facility fully operational by 2031. The existing San Siro is scheduled to host the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February 2026. The new stadium is expected to be ready for when Italy co-hosts the 2032 European Championship with Turkey.
The acquisition of the San Siro area resolves a long-standing issue for AC Milan and Inter, who have sought to create a modern, financially sustainable stadium. The current San Siro, while iconic, is not considered modern enough by UEFA standards to host major tournament matches. This deal ensures that Milan will have a stadium capable of hosting major European events in the future.
This marks a pivotal moment for Milanese football, setting the stage for a new chapter of sporting and economic success for both AC Milan and Inter.
