McCourt Greenlights Historic Women’s Match at Marseille’s Vélodrome

Marseille, France – In a move signaling a significant investment in the club’s future and a commitment to growing the women’s game, Olympique de Marseille owner Frank McCourt has approved a landmark decision: the club’s women’s team, Les Marseillaises, will play their first-ever match at the iconic Stade Vélodrome on March 28th. The announcement, made earlier this month, represents a pivotal moment for the team and a clear demonstration of McCourt’s continued dedication to Olympique de Marseille, nearly a decade after acquiring the club.

The match, scheduled against Montpellier for the 19th matchday of the Arkema Première Ligue, will be free to attend, with fans able to reserve tickets through the club’s website. This initiative aims to shatter the current attendance record for a first division women’s match in France, currently held by Olympique Lyonnais, who drew 30,661 spectators for a match against Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. The Vélodrome, with a capacity of 67,000, presents a unique opportunity to significantly surpass that figure.

A Symbolic Step for Women’s Football in Marseille

The decision follows a successful trial run last season, where a few matches featuring Martigues, another local team, were held at the Vélodrome while it was available. Now, it’s Les Marseillaises’ turn to experience the grandeur of the stadium. The move is being hailed as a symbolic gesture, demonstrating the growing importance of women’s football within the club and the wider community. It’s a visible sign of progress for a team striving to establish itself as a force in the Arkema Première Ligue.

Un acte fondateur à 𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒓𝒆.
Une première symbolique à 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒓.
Un moment d’histoire à 𝒆́𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒓𝒆…

🏟️ 𝑳𝒆𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔 prennent le Vel : rendez-vous le samedi 28 mars, 18h30, à l’Orange Vélodrome. Entrée 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒆, réservation sur… pic.twitter.com/ySG7cAfUCr

— Les Marseillaises (@OMfeminines) February 23, 2026

McCourt’s Continued Commitment to Olympique de Marseille

This decision comes after a period of change for the club, most recently marked by the departure of manager Roberto De Zerbi earlier this year. Despite the managerial shift, Frank McCourt has consistently reaffirmed his long-term commitment to Olympique de Marseille. As reported by Le 10 Sport on February 11, 2026, McCourt’s intentions for the club remain steadfast. The move to allow the women’s team to play at the Vélodrome is seen as a further demonstration of that commitment, extending beyond the men’s first team and encompassing the entire club structure.

According to Jean-François Pérès, a journalist with Le Journal du Dimanche, the club regretted the departure of De Zerbi but recognized the necessitate for change. However, this did not diminish McCourt’s dedication to the project in Marseille. The owner’s willingness to invest in and promote the women’s team underscores a broader vision for the club’s future.

Diacre Praises McCourt’s Support

Corinne Diacre, the manager of Les Marseillaises, expressed her gratitude for McCourt’s support in a recent interview with Canal+. “When you observe the number of supporters who have pre-registered for the match, I think it’s going well. They’ve had around 30,000 in ten days, so there are still three weeks to go,” Diacre said. “Highly sincerely, at OM, we want to thank Frank McCourt for authorizing us to play here in this truly mythical stadium. I believe it’s important for the players, and for the project too, to grant visibility.”

Diacre also cautioned that while the enthusiastic support is welcome, the team must focus on performing on the pitch. “We mustn’t get the wrong objective. The public is good, but we need to respond on the field. Playing in front of 30 or 40,000, we’re not used to it, but they will quickly get used to it.”

The upcoming match on March 28th is poised to be a historic occasion for Olympique de Marseille and a significant moment for women’s football in France. The free admission and the iconic venue are expected to draw a record crowd, creating an atmosphere that will undoubtedly inspire both the players and the fans. The event is a testament to Frank McCourt’s vision for the club and his commitment to fostering a thriving football culture in Marseille.

Following the match against Montpellier, Les Marseillaises will continue their campaign in the Arkema Première Ligue. Details regarding their subsequent fixtures will be announced on the club’s official website. Fans are encouraged to follow the team’s progress and continue to support their journey.

What are your thoughts on this historic event? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below!