# Historic Atlas FC Sale Underway as Liga MX Cracks Down on Multi-Club Ownership
The landscape of Mexican football is set for a monumental shift, as the official **Atlas FC sale** process has been initiated by its current owners, Grupo Orlegi. This move, driven by new Liga MX regulations aimed at eliminating multi-club ownership, places one of the league’s most historic and recently successful clubs on the market. The reported asking price is a staggering $400 million, a figure that reflects the club’s recent triumphs and its deep-rooted history in Guadalajara. The sale is expected to be finalized within the next six months, marking the end of a transformative era under Grupo Orlegi and the beginning of a new chapter for the *Rojinegros*.
## Why is the Atlas FC Sale Happening Now?
The primary catalyst for the **Atlas FC sale** is a strategic directive from Liga MX leadership to dismantle multi-club ownership structures within the league. This initiative, championed by league president Mikel Arriola, aims to enhance competitive integrity, increase transparency, and align Mexican football with global best practices seen in top European leagues.
Grupo Orlegi, led by the astute businessman Alejandro Irarragorri, is currently the owner of both Atlas FC and Santos Laguna. This dual ownership has been a point of contention as the league pushes for a new model where each owner is dedicated to a single franchise. The league’s assembly of owners has mandated that groups controlling more than one team must divest. By placing Atlas on the market, Grupo Orlegi is complying with this new regulation, choosing to consolidate its efforts and resources behind Santos Laguna. This move is seen as a crucial step in modernizing the league’s corporate governance and preventing potential conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived, during matches and player negotiations between co-owned clubs.
### The Staggering $400 Million Valuation
The reported $400 million asking price has certainly turned heads, but it is a valuation rooted in the club’s recent, unprecedented success and its significant brand value. Under Grupo Orlegi’s stewardship, Atlas FC achieved what was once thought impossible: breaking a 70-year championship drought.
The club went on to win back-to-back league titles—the *bicampeonato*—in the Apertura 2021 and Clausura 2022 tournaments. This historic achievement not only brought immense joy to their famously loyal fanbase, known as “La Fiel” (The Faithful), but it also dramatically increased the club’s commercial appeal and marketability. A potential buyer isn’t just acquiring a football team; they are investing in a revitalized brand, a passionate and dedicated fanbase, modern training facilities, and a place in the heart of one of Mexico’s most important cities, Guadalajara. The valuation reflects the tangible assets and the immense intangible value of a club that has recently sat at the pinnacle of Mexican football.
### Grupo Orlegi’s Transformative Legacy
When Grupo Orlegi acquired a struggling Atlas FC in 2019, the club was more known for its long-suffering history than its on-field prowess. However, the group implemented a professional structure and a clear sporting project that yielded spectacular results. Their tenure will forever be defined by the end of the 70-year curse and the subsequent back-to-back championships.
This success was no accident. It was the result of savvy management, strategic player acquisitions, and a belief in a long-term process. By transforming Atlas from a perennial underachiever into a champion, Grupo Orlegi has made the club an incredibly attractive asset for prospective buyers. They are not selling a fixer-upper; they are selling a proven winner with a solid foundation. This successful turnaround serves as a powerful case study in modern football management and is a key factor in the club’s high valuation. For more details on the league’s regulations, you can review reports from major outlets like ESPN on Liga MX reforms.
### The Road Ahead: Finding a New Owner
With the club officially on the market, the search for a new owner begins. The process is expected to attract significant interest from both domestic and international investors. The ideal buyer would be one with deep pockets, a passion for football, and a vision to continue building upon the success established by Grupo Orlegi. Potential suitors could range from Mexican business consortiums to international private equity firms looking to gain a foothold in the lucrative North American soccer market, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
The next six months will be crucial for the future of Atlas FC. The club, its players, and its loyal fanbase will be eagerly awaiting news of who will take the reins. The transition will be managed carefully to ensure stability on and off the pitch. As this story develops, be sure to check back here for more news and updates on the sale process and the future of Mexican football. The sale of Atlas FC is more than just a business transaction; it’s a pivotal moment that will shape the destiny of a beloved institution and set a new precedent for ownership in Liga MX.
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