Bàsquet Girona and City Officials Near Deal for 50-Year Fontajau Concession

The future of professional basketball in Girona is approaching a significant turning point. After months of negotiation and bureaucratic maneuvering, the path toward a long-term agreement for the management of the Pavelló de Fontajau appears to be entering its final stretch. The potential 50-year concession would grant Bàsquet Girona, led by club president and former NBA champion Marc Gasol, the stability required to transform the historic venue into a modern, multi-purpose facility.

For the local sports community, this development is a breath of fresh air. As the city navigates the complexities of its professional sports landscape, the commitment to upgrading Fontajau—a facility approaching 33 years of service—signals a clear intent to anchor elite basketball in Girona for the next half-century.

A Vision for “The New Fontajau”

Marc Gasol has been vocal about the necessity of this project. In recent briefings, the club president emphasized that while the current arena has served the city well, it suffers from technical shortcomings that hinder modern operations. From inconsistent lighting to persistent issues with the facility’s heating and water systems, the infrastructure is, by all accounts, showing its age.

The proposed investment, which Gasol describes as costing “millions” of euros, is designed to address these deficiencies while expanding capacity. Currently, Fontajau accommodates approximately 5,600 spectators. The modernization plan aims to push that figure to 6,000 for basketball matches, with the added capability to host concerts and events for up to 7,000 people. By choosing to renovate the existing site rather than pursuing a costly and logistically complex new build, the club believes it has found the most sustainable path forward for the city’s sporting infrastructure.

Navigating the Bureaucratic Process

Securing a 50-year concession is no small administrative feat. The process has required close cooperation between the club and the Girona City Council. Recent reports indicate that the project has been presented to regional sports authorities, with the municipal government aiming to bring the proposal to a plenary vote before the summer break. If schedules hold, a final decision could be reached as early as June or, at the latest, July.

The timing is crucial. The club intends to execute the phased renovations during the “dead time” of the basketball calendar—the months between the end of the season in May and the start of the following campaign in October—to minimize disruption to the team’s training and match schedules.

Why This Matters for Girona

Infrastructure is the bedrock of professional sports sustainability. By securing long-term control over the venue, Bàsquet Girona gains the autonomy to manage its own revenue streams and optimize the fan experience. For a city that prides itself on its sporting heritage, the modernization of Fontajau is not merely about basketball; it is about ensuring that Girona remains a viable destination for high-level competition.

While the club has ruled out building an entirely new arena, the decision to invest heavily in the existing site reflects a pragmatic approach to ownership. Gasol has suggested that a 6,000-seat capacity is the “ideal” size for the city, noting that aiming for significantly larger venues could prove counterproductive in the current market.

Key Takeaways

• Long-Term Commitment: The proposed concession would grant Bàsquet Girona management rights for 50 years.
• Capacity Expansion: Planned renovations aim to increase basketball capacity to 6,000, with event capacity reaching 7,000.
• Strategic Investment: The club is prioritizing the modernization of existing technical infrastructure, including lighting and climate control.
• Approval Timeline: A municipal plenary vote is expected by July, following recent high-level presentations to government officials.

What’s Next

As of late May 2026, the project remains in the final stages of administrative review. Fans and stakeholders should look for official announcements from the Girona City Council regarding the scheduling of the plenary vote. Once the concession is formally granted, the club is expected to release more granular details regarding the timeline for the first phase of construction.

As always, we will continue to monitor the proceedings at Fontajau and bring you the latest developments on this project as they break. Have thoughts on the future of the arena? Let us know in the comments below.