Atlante Eyes Liga MX Return Through Mazatlán FC Acquisition

Atlante’s Ambitious Push for Liga MX Through Mazatlán FC

Atlante’s bid to secure their long-awaited Liga MX return is gathering significant pace as negotiations to acquire Mazatlán FC intensify. The storied Mexican club, known as Potros de Hierro, has been absent from the top flight for over a decade. Now, with talks underway with Grupo Salinas, Atlante sees the potential purchase of Mazatlán FC as the most concrete and immediate route back to Mexican football’s premier division.

Why the Atlante-Mazatlán Deal Matters for Liga MX

The move comes as Atlante remains the only team in Liga de Expansión currently certified by the Mexican Football Federation for promotion. With no other certified contenders, Atlante’s unique status strengthens their negotiating position. While the club’s leadership, led by Emilio Escalante, still harbors hopes of earning promotion through sporting merit, acquiring Mazatlán is viewed as a pragmatic “Plan B” if on-field success proves elusive.

Current Status of Negotiations

Javier Rojas of TUDN reports that, although a final agreement has not been reached, the deal is very much alive. Grupo Salinas, owners of Mazatlán FC, initially considered selling Puebla, but talks stalled, making Mazatlán the most realistic target for Atlante’s Liga MX ambitions. Recent discussions have renewed optimism, with both sides reportedly closer to consensus than ever.

What Happens to Mazatlán FC?

If the acquisition goes through, Mazatlán FC will not vanish from the football landscape. Instead, the Sinaloa-based club would take Atlante’s current place in Liga de Expansión, ensuring continuity and avoiding the fate of past franchises like Jaguares or Lobos BUAP, which disappeared post-sale. This arrangement benefits both clubs and helps maintain a stable league structure.

Timeline for Atlante’s Liga MX Return

According to TUDN, the finalization of the deal could be timed just before the 2026 World Cup, with the goal of making a formal announcement during the next Liga MX assembly. Should everything proceed as planned, Atlante would compete in the Liga MX Apertura 2026, marking a historic homecoming for the Potros de Hierro.

Stadium Plans and the Club’s Future

Atlante’s return would also see them play at the recently renamed Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca), alongside heavyweights América and Cruz Azul. Atlante has a rich history at this stadium, having hosted matches there during three different periods: 1966–1983, 1996–2000, and 2004–2007. The move would reignite traditional rivalries and inject new energy into the Liga MX ecosystem.

The Significance of Atlante’s Certification

A primary advantage for Atlante in these discussions is their official certification for promotion. As the only eligible club in Liga de Expansión, this status underscores their readiness—both organizationally and competitively—to compete in the top tier. With no other rivals certified for promotion, Atlante stands as the lone viable candidate, which should expedite negotiations and approval processes.

Atlante’s Determination: More Than Just a Business Decision

Behind the acquisition is more than just a boardroom strategy; it reflects Atlante’s renewed commitment to reclaiming their place among Mexico’s football elite. The club’s supporters, who have endured years in the second division, are hopeful that the move will restore Atlante’s legacy and bring fresh excitement to Liga MX.

What’s Next: A New Era for Atlante and Liga MX?

Should the purchase of Mazatlán FC be completed, it could mark the start of a new era for both clubs and for Mexican football as a whole. Atlante’s return would not only revive their storied history but also boost the commercial appeal and competitive balance of Liga MX. The transition plan, which prevents the disappearance of Mazatlán FC, is also a progressive step for league stability.

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Opinion: Why Atlante’s Ambition Benefits Mexican Football

Atlante’s determined pursuit of Liga MX status—whether through sporting achievement or strategic acquisition—reflects the club’s deep-rooted ambition and passion. Their return would undoubtedly add historical depth and competitive firepower to the league. Moreover, the innovative approach to preserving both clubs’ identities post-acquisition sets a positive precedent for Mexican football’s growth and sustainability.