OffsAIde
·24 September 2026
Mauro Xavier plan to turn Benfica into European financial giant impresses Harvard

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsOffsAIde
·24 September 2026

Mauro Xavier unveiled an ambitious financial blueprint for Benfica at Harvard, proposing a retractable roof for Estádio da Luz and removing the club’s SAD from the stock market.
According to Glorioso 1904, the PwC partner aims to build sustainable mechanisms to lift annual revenue to a recurring 450 to 550 million euros. Research led under the mentorship of professor Krishna Palepu examines weaknesses in the current model, which leans heavily on TV rights and European competitions.
Key proposals include a movable roof to enable year-round events and lucrative concerts at the stadium. The plan also calls for buying back all SAD shares to delist. Thereafter, equity would be opened to three long-term strategic partners to accelerate each of Benfica’s core income streams.
The vision drew strong praise from Harvard’s academic leadership, which followed the project closely. The mentor publicly highlighted its quality and feasibility.
Palepu said Xavier showed creativity and imaginative leadership, adding he was sure the club would benefit immensely if the ideas were implemented.
Source: Glorioso 1904
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