Atlético de Madrid announced this Monday the sale of a majority stake to the North American investment fund Apollo Sports Capital. The transaction, valued at around 2.5 billion euros for the entire club, involves the acquisition of approximately 57% of the shares and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, following regulatory approvals. The agreement guarantees the continuity of current management, with Miguel Ángel Gil Marín remaining as CEO and Enrique Cerezo as president.
The operation represents a significant change in the shareholder structure of the Spanish club, which competes in La Liga and has branches in Mexico and Canada. Current shareholders, including Quantum Pacific Group and Ares Management, will participate in the deal, which aims to inject fresh capital to reinforce the team and infrastructure projects.
Atlético’s official statement highlights that the partnership with Apollo strengthens the club’s sustainable growth, respecting its history of more than 120 years and identity linked to its fans.
- Main shareholders involved: Quantum Pacific Group (27.84%), Ares Management (33.96% via HoldCo) and minority shareholders.
- Estimated value: 2.5 billion euros for 100% of the shares.
- Closing period: January to March 2026.
Financial transaction details
Apollo Sports Capital, the sports arm of manager Apollo Global Management, valued Atlético at 2.5 billion euros, according to sources close to the deal. This figure places sales as the secondthe highest in history for a football club, behind only the acquisition of Chelsea for 3.16 billion dollars in 2022.
The American fund plans an additional capital injection, estimated at up to 1.3 billion euros for the acquired portion, focused on sporting competitiveness and infrastructure expansion. The transaction comes at a time of growing investment in sports, with the global sponsorship market projected to reach $115 billion by 2025.
Guaranteed leadership and continuity
Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and Enrique Cerezo maintain their executive positions and minority stakes following the agreement. Gil, who took over family control in 1987, highlighted in a statement that Apollo respects the club’s traditions and supports its long-term vision.
Under current management, Atlético has won 11 La Liga titles and expanded its global presence, with revenues of $427 million in the 2023-24 season. The partnership ensures stability in management, with a gradual transition planned for the coming years.
Apollo, which manages 908 billion dollars in assets, sees Atlético as a central piece in its expansion strategy in European sport.
Planned investments in the club
Apollo’s new capital will direct resources to the main squad, including signings in the 2026 summer transfer market. The club invested 150 million euros in players in the last window, but is looking for reinforcements to maintain competitiveness in La Liga and the Champions League.
Infrastructure projects receive priority, with a focus on expanding the Metropolitano Stadium, the team’s home since 2017. The initiative includes improvements to training facilities and fan areas.
Deporte City Expansion
Cidade do Deporte, a complex adjacent to the Metropolitan Stadium, receives 800 million euros in total investments. The project creates a multifunctional hub with an elite training center, golf and paddle tennis courts and the largest indoor surfing center in Europe.
The initiative benefits the Madrid community, with spaces for leisure, culture and sporting events. Apollo brings media and entertainment expertise to transform the area into a global destination.
The development is progressing in phases, with partial completion scheduled for 2027, integrating Atlético into a sustainable urban network.
Atlético’s recent history
The colchonero club occupies fourth place in La Liga after 12 rounds, six points behind leaders Real Madrid. In the current season, he recorded victories in competitionsions and advanced in the Champions League.
Under Diego Simeone, coach since 2011, Atlético multiplied revenues fourfold, from 115 million euros in 2011-12 to a projected 459 million in 2024-25. The arrival of new investors accelerates this growth cycle.
Apollo Global Presence
Apollo Sports Capital launched a $5 billion fund in September 2025, focused on sports and live events. Before Atlético, it acquired rights to the Mutua Madrid Open and Miami Open tennis tournaments, in partnership with Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro.
The fund, led by Al Tylis as CEO and Rob Givone as co-portfolio manager, prioritizes long-term partnerships. The acquisition marks the first with majority control in a European football club.
The company, founded in 1990, operates with an emphasis on alternative assets and sees sports as a sector with stable revenues.