Iconic Spanish soccer club FC Barcelona have announced a new partnership with master systems integrator New Era Visionary Group (NEVG), the club's new official telecoms operator, to launch the club's own telecommunications service.
Through the deal, which will begin on January 1, 2025 and run through the 2029-30 top-flight campaign, NEVG will work in collaboration with telecommunications giant Orange to launch Barca Mobile.
Barca Mobile will offer a range of telecom services to Barcelona fans such as “mobile plans, data services, fiber optics, among others,” with discounts provided to Barcelona club members.
Outside of the Barca Mobile venture, NEVG will work to install new Orange 5G connective infrastructure at the revamped Camp Nou that will allow fans attending the 105,000-capacity stadium better internet access.
This connectivity will also enhance the club’s operations across the stadium, with employees, concourse sales points, suppliers, and media personnel all benefitting from enhanced 5G connectivity.
Barcelona will retain ownership and autonomous management of the 5G infrastructure at the stadium, a factor that was key to the club's selection of NEVG and Orange as partners as it looks to drive continued revenue growth after drawing record sponsorship income in the 2023-24 season.
Speaking on the deal, Barcelona vice president of marketing Juli Guiu stated: “Having the best connectivity in the stadium is essential to providing a unique match day experience for all our fans and visitors.
“At the same time, the launch of ‘Barça Mobile Services’ with NEVG and in collaboration with Orange will be a major step forward, offering all users a mobile service with a wide range of possibilities and many advantages for FC Barcelona members.”
NEVG chief executive Ruslan Birladeanu added: “Our vision is to make ‘Barça Mobile’ a global brand that goes beyond just serving fans—uniting people worldwide and expanding Barça’s global fanbase. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in reshaping mobile connectivity in sports and entertainment, bringing FC Barcelona closer to its global community.”
