Bordeaux club announced on Wednesday that ownership has been transferred to the American investment fund Park Bench for a symbolic fee of one euro ($1.14), in a deal representing a new lifeline for the historic club, which aims to turn the page on years of financial and sporting crises.
Under the terms of the deal, owner Gérard Lopez departs Bordeaux after five turbulent years that saw the 2008-2009 French league champions fall from elite status to the sixth tier.
The club said in a statement that the deal was struck "for a symbolic one euro with the buyer assuming the debts," describing it as "an important step toward rebuilding Bordeaux's future."
French media reported that the Park Bench fund will assume debts approaching 18 million euros.
The fund operates in data analytics, software, and investment, and is owned by American Evan Sufer and Briton James Board. It also holds stakes in Spanish second-tier side Córdoba and is the main shareholder in Scottish club Dunfermline Athletic.
Bordeaux has suffered successive financial crises in recent years, undergoing judicial receivership twice since 2021, before spending the last two seasons in the fourth division following a series of sanctions and administrative relegations.
The club's troubles worsened this year, prompting the French regulatory body for professional clubs to relegate it to the sixth division, reaching one of its lowest levels in history.
The sale process still requires approval from local regulatory authorities, along with the adoption of the club's budget for the 2026-2027 season, so that Bordeaux can compete in the sixth division.
The plan must also be approved by the commercial court in Bordeaux, a crucial step to avoid the club entering liquidation proceedings.