Live Nation has signed an agreement to acquire Paris La Défense Arena, Europe’s largest indoor venue, from Ovalto for an undisclosed sum. According to today’s (Jan. 6) press announcement, “this landmark deal will bring more shows, upgraded facilities and major benefits to Paris, Île-de-France and the wider French live entertainment industry.”
Completion of the transaction is subject to approval by the French Competition Authority.
Once the deal completes, Live Nation will launch “a major upgrade program” that “will enable the arena to host significantly more productions year-round; attracting leading French and international artists and reinforcing Paris’ position as a global live entertainment destination,” the press release continues.
Since opening in 2017, Paris La Défense Arena has hosted some of the world’s biggest events – from the Olympic Games and the Tour de France to the Rolex Paris Masters – as well as performances by global superstars including Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, Hans Zimmer and Dua Lipa.
With Paris La Défense Arena, Live Nation joins the existing network of major French venue operators alongside LDLC Arena, Accor Arena and Stade de France. Live Nation will continue to promote shows across all venues and welcome all promoters to Paris La Défense Arena. The increased capacity will create more opportunities for event producers, artists and fans, enriching the region’s cultural landscape.
From Paris With Love: Pollstar’s 2025 France Focus
Comments:
“In just ten years, we have made Paris La Défense Arena a unique venue in Europe with a solid business model. Today, a new chapter begins for the arena and its employees. Paris La Défense Arena will be able to leverage the full expertise of Live Nation, the global leader in entertainment, to continue its development.”
— Jacky Lorenzetti, President of Ovalto
“Our ambition is simple: to make Paris La Défense Arena a venue that welcomes more productions, with the finest facilities for artists, all event producers and promoters and, above all, the audience. This ambition is rooted in a strong commitment to local inclusion, education and cultural access – ensuring major live experiences drive local development and inspire younger generations.”
— Angelo Gopee, Managing Director, Live Nation France
“Ovalto has created a venue that has become unique in Europe in less than ten years. The arrival of Live Nation promises exciting new opportunities for our clients, employees, and partners, whose support has been crucial in making the arena the icon it is today.”
— Frédéric Longuépée, President of Paris La Défense Arena
