Atletico Madrid Sells Majority Stake to Apollo Sports Capital

Atletico Madrid has entered a new era, officially confirming the sale of a majority stake to global investment powerhouse Apollo Sports Capital. This pivotal move sees Apollo Sports Capital become the primary shareholder of the La Liga club, marking a significant step forward for Atletico Madrid’s financial stability, sporting ambitions, and infrastructure development.

Apollo Sports Capital Becomes Atletico Madrid’s Majority Owner

Atletico Madrid’s announcement signals a major shift in ownership, with Apollo Sports Capital (ASC) acquiring a controlling interest. The club communicated via an official statement that while ASC will now hold the majority, key figures such as CEO Miguel Angel Gil and Chairman Enrique Cerezo will continue in their respective roles and retain minority stakes. This structure ensures continuity in leadership while opening new avenues for growth and success.

Strengthening Financial Foundations for Long-Term Success

The primary focus of this investment is to secure Atletico Madrid’s place among football’s elite by injecting substantial new capital. The funds from Apollo Sports Capital are earmarked to support both immediate and long-term objectives: augmenting the squad, bolstering the academy, and investing in women’s football. Perhaps most notably, the deal accelerates the ambitious “City of Sport” project: a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex adjacent to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, designed to transform the area into a global destination for sport, leisure, and community life.

According to the club, Apollo’s expertise in the sports, media, and entertainment industries is expected to help create a “dynamic, transformative, and multidisciplinary urban center for the people of Madrid.” The investment, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to be finalized by the first quarter of 2026.

Leadership Stability and Community Commitment

While Apollo Sports Capital now leads ownership, the strategic decision to keep Gil and Cerezo in charge underscores the value of stability and tradition at Atletico Madrid. CEO Miguel Angel Gil expressed pride in welcoming Apollo as a partner, emphasizing the investor’s respect for the club’s heritage and the enthusiasm they bring for future growth. Robert Givone, Apollo partner and co-manager of ASC, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Atletico de Madrid is one of Europe’s great sporting institutions, and it is an honour for Apollo Sports Capital to invest in this historic club and its legacy of over 120 years.”

The partnership not only reflects a commitment to strengthening the team but also a dedication to supporting the local community and the club’s global fanbase.

Impact on Atletico’s Sporting Performance

Currently, Atletico Madrid sits in fourth place in La Liga with 25 points after 12 matches—just four points behind leaders Real Madrid. The squad, led by Antoine Griezmann’s recent standout performances, has enjoyed a strong run of form. The new capital injection is poised to provide the resources necessary to sustain and strengthen this momentum, both on the domestic front and in international competitions.

Investment Extends Beyond the First Team

The Apollo Sports Capital deal also includes Atletico’s affiliated clubs, Atletico de San Luis and Atletico Ottawa, which will be majority-owned by ASC. Previous shareholders, including Quantum Pacific Group and Ares Management, will maintain minority positions across these entities, ensuring a collaborative approach as the clubs move forward.

Inside Apollo Sports Capital’s Strategy

Apollo Sports Capital is a global investment arm of Apollo, primarily targeting the sports and live events sector with a focus on credit and hybrid investment opportunities. While the firm holds notable stakes in tennis tournaments like the Mutua Madrid Open and Miami Open, the acquisition of Atletico Madrid stands as its flagship investment. Apollo has made it clear that this move is not part of a broader multi-club ownership strategy, emphasizing its commitment to Atletico’s unique potential and future.

What’s Next for Atletico Madrid?

With the deal set for completion in early 2026, Atletico Madrid is positioned for a transformative phase. The immediate infusion of capital is expected to strengthen the squad, advance infrastructure projects, and reinforce the club’s foundation for sustainable growth. As Atletico prepares to face Getafe after the international break, fans can look forward to a club that balances tradition with ambition—a vision shared by both new investors and longstanding leadership.

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Opinion: A Promising New Chapter for Atletico

This partnership with Apollo Sports Capital represents a smart evolution for Atletico Madrid. Retaining experienced leadership while welcoming fresh capital could deliver the best of both worlds: honoring the club’s storied history while building a dynamic, competitive future. If executed with care, this deal might well set the standard for responsible investment in European football.