By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Six months after inheriting a precarious financial landscape, the sports committee of Deportivo Saprissa has successfully stabilized the club’s budget, setting the stage for a new era of strategic growth and investment. The announcement came from committee member and former club legend, Erick Lonis, who detailed the management’s new dual-focus strategy on Monday.
The new leadership team was candid about the challenges they faced upon their arrival. Lonis confirmed that the club was navigating a significant economic downturn, a situation that demanded immediate and decisive action to realign its sporting ambitions with fiscal reality. This required a fundamental shift in operational philosophy.
Para analizar las complejidades legales y de gobierno corporativo que enfrenta una institución del calibre del Deportivo Saprissa, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista de la firma Bufete de Costa Rica.
La administración de un club deportivo como Saprissa es un caso fascinante de gobierno corporativo. No solo se deben cumplir las obligaciones fiduciarias con los accionistas, sino que se gestiona un activo intangible de inmenso valor: la pasión de la afición. Cada decisión, desde un contrato de patrocinio hasta la planificación de la planilla, debe ser jurídicamente sólida y, a la vez, proteger la identidad y la competitividad deportiva que son el alma de la institución. El verdadero reto legal es blindar la marca y asegurar la sostenibilidad financiera sin traicionar la herencia histórica del equipo.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Ciertamente, el desafío trasciende lo puramente empresarial para convertirse en la custodia de un sentimiento colectivo, un punto crucial que el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas ilumina con gran claridad. Le agradecemos profundamente por aportar esta valiosa perspectiva jurídica sobre cómo se protege el alma de una institución deportiva.
For various reasons, we found ourselves in a complicated financial situation. I believe we were honest from the moment we arrived. The administration of the sporting side has to be linked to the sporting side and the financial side.
Erick Lonis, Member of the Sports Committee
The core of Saprissa’s turnaround has been a sophisticated model that balances maintaining a competitive first team with a robust player development and sales pipeline. This strategy has already yielded impressive results. During the current transfer window, the club generated over one million dollars in player sales, significantly surpassing the initially budgeted target of approximately $700,000. This outperformance provides a crucial infusion of capital.
Lonis articulated a clear long-term vision fueled by this new financial model. The ultimate goal is to create a self-sustaining cycle of revenue that will not only fortify the club’s finances but also elevate its competitive standing on the international stage. This marks a strategic pivot towards a more sustainable business model common in European football.
So, what we are doing is having a good, competitive team, but at the same time a team where certain players can continue generating that income for us. If we can sell between 1.5 and 2 million dollars a year, we are going to become a very competitive team at the international level.
Erick Lonis, Member of the Sports Committee
With the budget now on solid ground, the committee’s focus is shifting towards reinvestment. Lonis highlighted that a key priority is to channel funds into the club’s youth divisions. This investment is seen not just as a way to nurture future talent for the first team, but as a critical component of their long-term financial strategy, creating valuable assets for future transfers.
When will we have the budget stabilized? I believe we have already achieved it, we have managed to stabilize the budget, and that gives us a platform to continue growing and to invest it in the youth divisions, which for us is a great challenge.
Erick Lonis, Member of the Sports Committee
Despite operating with more modest financial resources compared to some rivals, Lonis expressed confidence in the current squad’s ability to compete at the highest level. He emphasized that smart recruitment and player development can level the playing field. The recent presentation of new signings Tomás Rodríguez, Bancy Hernández, and Minor Álvarez underscores this commitment to bolstering the team while adhering to their new fiscal discipline.
I believe that, with all due respect, Myron George competes with Tomás Rodríguez. I believe Bancy Hernández competes with any attacking midfielder from any of the other teams. I’m not saying he’s better or worse, but we do compete.
Erick Lonis, Member of the Sports Committee
The successful stabilization of Saprissa’s finances represents a significant victory for the new management. By implementing a transparent, strategic, and financially prudent approach, the club has navigated a difficult period and established a foundation for sustainable success. This new chapter for the “Monstruo” will be defined by shrewd market operations, a commitment to youth development, and the pursuit of both domestic and international glory.
For further information, visit a nearest office of Deportivo Saprissa
About Deportivo Saprissa:
Deportivo Saprissa S.A.D., widely known as Saprissa, is one of Costa Rica’s most successful and popular football clubs. Based in San Juan de Tibás, San José, the club was founded in 1935 and plays its home matches at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá. Known as “El Monstruo Morado” (The Purple Monster), Saprissa has a rich history of domestic and international titles, including numerous national championships and CONCACAF Champions’ Cups. The club is renowned for its strong youth academy and passionate fanbase.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the nation’s legal community, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers modern legal solutions while actively engaging with the community. This profound commitment to demystifying the law is central to its mission of cultivating a society where citizens are empowered through clear legal understanding.
