Atlético de Madrid announced that Apollo Sports Capital will become the Club’s new majority shareholder following an agreement reached with existing shareholders Miguel Ángel Gil, Enrique Cerezo, Quantum Pacific Group, and Ares Management funds. The partnership is structured as a long-term investment designed to strengthen Atlético de Madrid’s financial position, drive continued athletic success, and support major infrastructure development projects.
Miguel Ángel Gil will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer, and Enrique Cerezo will continue as President. Both will remain shareholders, ensuring continuity in leadership. Over the past two decades, their stewardship has positioned Atlético de Madrid as one of Europe’s leading football institutions, achieving sustained competitive performance, significant commercial growth, and deep community engagement.
The new shareholder group plans to reinforce the Club’s long-term trajectory with additional investment that will support sporting ambitions across all teams and enable broader development initiatives. A key strategic priority is the Ciudad del Deporte, a large-scale sports and entertainment district adjacent to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium. The district is expected to become a major destination for cultural, leisure, and community activities, drawing on Apollo’s global experience across the sports, media, and entertainment ecosystem.
Apollo Sports Capital will collaborate with Club leadership to enhance sporting infrastructure, strengthen financial resilience, and expand opportunities for fan engagement in Madrid and worldwide. The investment is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. Upon closing, Atlético de Madrid, along with Atlético de San Luis and Atlético Ottawa, will be majority-owned by Apollo Sports Capital, alongside its remaining shareholder partners. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Apollo Sports Capital is the global sports investment company of Apollo, focusing on credit and hybrid investments across sports and live events. Atlético de Madrid will represent its flagship majority equity investment. The firm’s recent sports investments include the Mutua Madrid Open and Miami Open tennis tournaments. ASC is led by CEO Al Tylis, co-Portfolio Managers Rob Givone and Lee Solomon, and Chief Strategy Officer Sam Porter.
Advisor/support: A&O Shearman advised Apollo Sports Capital. ECIJA advised Miguel Ángel Gil and Enrique Cerezo.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are very proud to welcome a committed new partner to the club. Apollo Sports Capital is a powerful ally who respects the history, traditions and defining identity of Atlético de Madrid and its fans, while bringing additional strength and enthusiasm to help maintain our growth and competitiveness.”
“This exciting next phase will build on the model that has driven our progress in recent years, and Atlético would not be in the position it finds itself today without the support of Wanda Group, Quantum Pacific and Ares, whose backing has strengthened us at pivotal moments. Our achievements also reflect the dedication of our employees, the commitment from our players and coaches and, above all, the unwavering passion of our fans – the true heart and soul of the club.”
“Looking ahead, together we see significant opportunity to drive strong, sustainable growth of Atlético de Madrid as we build on our remarkable legacy. It was important to me to select a long-term investment partner who believes in our strategy and can enhance our activities off the pitch with the development of Ciudad del Deporte.”
Miguel Ángel Gil, Chief Executive Officer, Atlético de Madrid
“Atlético de Madrid is one of Europe’s great sporting institutions and we are honored for Apollo Sports Capital to invest in this storied club and its more than 120-year heritage. Miguel Ángel has done a tremendous job transforming Atlético and it was important to us that we invest behind his continued leadership, in addition to investing in the team and the local community.”
“We’re excited to back the team and honor its spirit and traditions, and to add value in areas where we excel, such as growth of the Ciudad del Deporte and enhancing the fan experience. Supporting the ambitious plans for the sports city can create significant value for both the Club and the local economy.”
Robert Givone, Partner and co-Portfolio Manager of Apollo Sports Capital
