Vasco ends SOD Capital exclusivity and opens bidding for São Januário development rights | OneFootball

Vasco have ended SOD Capital’s exclusivity over the purchase of São Januário’s development rights and opened the process to rival bids. According to PaponaColina, the move, confirmed on Friday the 13th, follows a failure to finalise the deal, with offers expected to top R$ 500 million.

The company secured an exclusive agreement mid last year to use the rights on land in Barra da Tijuca. It obtained three extensions but did not formalise a purchase. Last week president Pedrinho met Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes and other firms to present the project.

The build schedule is already behind. Work was originally due to begin in early 2026, with reopening planned for the following year. As funding depends entirely on the development rights, the scheme remains on paper, a concern for city hall given its urban interest.

The budget has also risen. The club are now working to an estimated R$ 800 million to keep the project sustainable, up from an initial R$ 500 million amid higher construction costs in recent years.

Logistics are on hold too. Vasco agreed with Botafogo to stage home matches at Estádio Nilton Santos during São Januário’s closure, but without a start date for works the arrangement has no activation date.

To balance the new budget, the club are targeting the sale of naming rights for the revamped arena, while keeping other revenue options open.

Source: PaponaColina