Reims and Montpellier see Ligue 1 return as desire, not necessity | OneFootball

Reims and Montpellier want to return to Ligue 1, yet neither frames it as an immediate necessity. Relegated in spring 2025 after a season when TV rights collapsed, both have since overhauled budgets and squads.

According to L'Équipe, as year two in Ligue 2 begins, they sit on the podium with the division’s youngest sides, albeit via different styles. Reims have 12 points with 14 scored and 8 conceded, Montpellier 11 points with 5 scored and 4 conceded.

Reims chief executive Mathieu Lacour says the priority is to readapt the model, not chase promotion at any cost. Returning with fewer resources would limit them and €5m-€10m signings would be unrealistic.

Both clubs have pivoted to youth. Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin says an academy-led side, guided by a few seniors, has been built since 29 June, when the club’s non-sale was confirmed. He accepts that going up is far from obvious.

Economically, analyst Vincent Chaudel argues the TV-rights gap has narrowed, so moving up may not significantly lift revenues unless ticket prices rise, with only marginal gains in sponsorship and merchandising. Reims have banked around €270m in transfers since 2023, including Valentin Atangana and Patrick Zabi at €25m each and Ewen Jaouen at €21.5m, helping avoid layoffs and protect the academy.

Nicollin hopes Montpellier can eventually mirror that pathway, and says the family guarantee, plus cost and wage cuts, keep them stable. He frames promotion as an ambition for supporters and partners, insists there is no shame in Ligue 2, and says they will return when they deserve it, not least with only two automatic places available.

Source: L'Équipe

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