Ambitious Decathlon announce new co-sponsor for 2026
The French squad will become Decathlon-CMA CGM from January 1 following the departure of longstanding backer AG2R. It has been reported that the team's annual budget will increase to €40 million in the wake of Decathlon's acquisition of the team's licence.
Decathlon will be known as Decathlon-CMA CGM in 2026 after signing a five-year agreement with shipping company CMA CGM in Marseille during the second rest day of the Tour de France.
Decathlon recently took over ownership of the holding company behind the team from outgoing co-sponsor AG2R La Mondiale, which ends its 28-year involvement with the set-up at the end of this season.
L’Équipe reported two weeks ago that Decathlon’s acquisition of the team would lead to a hefty rise in its annual budget, which is set to rise from €28 million to €40 million in 2026.
The sporting retailer’s reported aim is for their team to compete with UAE Team Emirates-XRG and Visma | Lease a Bike at the top end of the WorldTour. They will hope, too, that 19-year-old Paul Seixas, who impressed at the Critérium du Dauphiné, can develop into a Tour de France contender.
“CMA CGM’s commitment to Decathlon is a decisive step in our 2030 strategic plan to reach the highest level worldwide,” said general manager Dominique Serieys.
“Decathlon and CMA CGM fully embody this ambition. They share a long-term vision, a strong culture of innovation and strong values to help France shine on the international stage. [Previously] partners of Paris 2024, this alliance, a legacy of the Games, sends out a strong signal: we are determined to write a historic chapter in French and world sport.”
Owned by billionaire Rodolphe Saadé, CMA CGM is one of the world’s biggest shipping companies. The group serves as Olympique Marseille’s short sponsor and Saadé recently denied persistent rumours that he was seeking the buy the club outright. Saadé’s CMA Media Group acquired broadcasters RMC Sport and BFM last year.
The Decathlon set-up has undergone considerable change in recent years, with Serieys replacing team founder Vincent Lavenu as manager in 2024. Serieys indicated to RMC Sport on Monday that Decathlon-CMA CGM would create a women’s team for the 2027 season, while their under-23 squad will continue to operate out of its longstanding base in Chambéry.
