Key sporting partnerships
The world’s biggest sporting events need to transport participants smoothly, safely and—increasingly—sustainably. We do our part by sharing our expertise with high-profile competitions held in France.
Three decades of partnership
In the 30 years since the 1992 Winter Olympics were held in the French Alps, France has successfully hosted some of the biggest sporting events on the planet. The Olympic and Paralympic Games, football and rugby World Cups, and UEFA Euro all triggered a massive influx of tourists. Mobility needs account for ⅔ of these events’ carbon footprint, making transport a key concern.
SNCF Group—an expert in sustainable transport for passengers and freight—works closely with event organizers to plan green transport options for fans, teams, athletes, staff and officials so that everyone arrives safely and seamlessly at competition sites.
4m
daily transport users in the Paris region during the 2024 Paris Olympics
80
train journeys by teams competing in the Rugby World Cup France 2023
100%
of competition venues in the 2024 Paris Olympics served by public transport
More than rail
While rail is the core business of SNCF Group and its main contribution to major sporting events, subsidiary Keolis is a global leader in shared mobility and adds efficient road transport solutions to the mix. In 2023, Keolis supplied 100 buses to shuttle teams and staff to and from their base camps during the Rugby World Cup France, for example.
In addition, rail freight, heavy cargo and storage specialists Rail Logistics Europe (RLE) and Geodis expertly advised organizers on logistics issues.
These big events also give us a chance to roll out innovations, maintain our network and complete infrastructure work—moves that bring lasting benefits to host cities and to the commuters we carry day in, day out.
Director of Major Sports Events at the SNCF
Official Supporter of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games
The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games were not just memorable, they were a mobility win. Find out how our people contributed to this successful effort.
Rugby World Cup France 2023 sponsorship
In 2023, SNCF Voyageurs made 80 trips carrying players to matches and transported 2 million fans by train to the championship’s host cities, setting the standard for sustainable mobility.
30 years of signature sports partnerships
Sport is fundamental to SNCF Group
We do more than just partner with marquee events. Since 1982, our SNCF Athletes programme has allowed elite French athletes and para athletes—including Olympic and Paralympic competitors—to train while building a post-competition career. Under this arrangement athletes work on 50%-70% contracts in SNCF Group, balancing dual careers in sport and the working world.