McCourt's fortune soars to $1.5 billion as Marseille sinks into crisis

Frank McCourt’s personal wealth has increased by €48 million in recent months to reach $1.548 billion, according to Forbes magazine — a trajectory that starkly contrasts with the situation at Olympique de Marseille, mired in financial crisis and in a relegation-threatened position in Ligue 1.

The American owner of the Marseille club has built this wealth through McCourt Global, a diversified holding company with interests in sport, real estate, technology and media. Among his recent ventures is the Jumping Premier League, a new equestrian competition set to launch in 2027.

This personal dynamism stands in sharp contrast to the performance of his Marseille investment. Since taking a stake in 2016, McCourt is reported to have absorbed over €700 million in cumulative losses, according to multiple sources. A financial hemorrhage that has led him to change course: the owner has decided to stop injecting money into the club from his own pocket.

OM is now paying the price for uncontrolled spending during the Pablo Longoria era, the former president who stepped down at the end of last season. The failure to qualify for the Ligue des Champions further worsens the budget equation, depriving the club of essential financial resources needed to balance its accounts.

The question now facing Marseille is straightforward: without owner investment and without European revenue, what levers can the club rely on to recover both on and off the pitch?