Spanish football club Atlético Madrid is poised to come under U.S. ownership, according to a report from Finance.yahoo.
Apollo Sports Capital, which manages a dedicated sports investment vehicle, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in the club, valuing it at around €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion).
The agreement, announced on Monday, does not yet specify the exact financial terms, though sources told Reuters that Apollo will acquire roughly 55 % of the club’s equity.
Under the deal, Atlético’s CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and President Enrique Cerezo will remain in their roles and retain board positions, ensuring “continuity of vision and leadership,” club officials said.
The decision marks one of the largest private-equity investments in European football to date and aligns with a trend of U.S. funds targeting major clubs.
Atlético is Spain’s third-largest club by revenue, reported at around €410 million in 2024, and has an ambitious infrastructure project — the “Ciudad del Deporte” — that requires substantial investment.
Apollo’s entry is expected to bolster the club’s sporting competitiveness, financial strength and global reach.
The transaction is expected to be concluded in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and final board decisions.