« Degraded » finances at ASVEL and economic model « not viable long-term »: the Regional Audit Chamber’s harsh report
May 21, 2025
Arthur Puybertier
Jean-Michel Aulas ready to get involved again with ASVEL?
Betclic ELITE - Very active around ASVEL in recent weeks, Jean-Michel Aulas aims to play a larger role in the Villeurbanne club. Behind the scenes, the former OL Groupe president is making moves while ASVEL, facing financial difficulties, could use a fresh start.
Photo Credit : Alexandre Lacoste
Jean-Michel Aulas, 76, seems eager to return to the spotlight. Now owner of the LDLC Arena and campaigning for the 2026 municipal elections in Lyon, the former OL president is increasingly seen alongside ASVEL. This return to prominence coincides with a difficult period for France’s most titled basketball club, which is seeking economic stability.
A struggling club, personal ambitions
Since OL Groupe’s entry into ASVEL’s capital in 2019, the Villeurbanne organization had gained new momentum. An EuroLeague A license, strong ambitions, a new ultra-modern arena… But financially, things went wrong. Two major partnerships – including the one with Skweek – failed to deliver promised financial returns, causing expenses to explode without matching revenues. Moreover, shareholders – led by Jean-Michel Aulas – were burned by these shaky deals and the controversial personality of Serge Bueno, Smart Good Things’ CEO.
ASVEL’s shareholders had to contribute additional funds to complete the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This could repeat for the following season, with DNCCG keeping watch. Some minority shareholders, tired of current management and Tony Parker’s tarnished image, would like the former NBA star to step back. However, Parker has proposed a capital restructuring where he would remain the majority shareholder.
Jean-Michel Aulas explores the territory
In this context, Jean-Michel Aulas’ return to the forefront isn’t coincidental. As owner of LDLC Arena since 2024, which he bought for 160 million euros, Aulas made a commercial gesture allowing the club to use the Décines facility at reduced costs during playoffs. A welcome offer given that the arena’s rental cost (100,000 euros per evening) limits significant revenue opportunities. This strengthens his return to ASVEL’s landscape, which he had left after selling OL Groupe to John Textor. His goal? Possibly regaining control of the club, or at least having more influence in strategic, sporting, and financial decisions.
His return also coincides with political ambitions: increasing his visibility for Lyon’s municipal elections. And what better way than helping ASVEL through this rough patch to maintain his presence in local and national media?
@ffbasketball @MinistereSports @LDLCASVEL It’s very peculiar that ASVEL has to play semi-finals against a club that weakens it by not paying what’s owed? Where are the fairness rules? Congratulations to LDLC ASVEL for this victory 👏
— Jean-Michel AULAS (@JM_Aulas) June 3, 2025
What’s next for ASVEL?
On the sporting side, the situation is somewhat more stable. The club has shown real character this season, despite the turmoil. The upcoming summer will be crucial. Joffrey Lauvergne and Paris Lee are at the end of their contracts, Nando De Colo has agreed to salary smoothing until 2026. The goal will be to reduce payroll without sacrificing ambitions, focusing on promising young talents like Adam Atamna, and smart acquisitions, like Shaquille Harrisson this year.
Working with Sports Director Michel Veyronnet, coach Pierric Poupet aims to build a coherent team, where top-down decisions have sometimes interfered with creating a balanced roster. It remains to be seen if Aulas will play a driving role in this revival while reinforcing his influence in the Lyon landscape.
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