Apollo Sports Capital Becomes Majority Owner of Atlético de Madrid in Landmark Investment Deal.

Roger Hampel

Image: Apollo

Atlético de Madrid has announced that Apollo Sports Capital (ASC), the global sports investment arm of Apollo Global Management (NYSE: APO), will become the club’s new majority shareholder, following an agreement with the club’s existing ownership group led by Miguel Ángel Gil, Enrique Cerezo, Quantum Pacific Group, and Ares Management funds.

The investment represents one of the most significant ownership transitions in European football this year, reinforcing Atlético’s financial stability, infrastructure development, and long-term growth strategy while maintaining its leadership continuity.

Leadership Continuity Under Gil and Cerezo

As part of the transaction, Miguel Ángel Gil will continue as Chief Executive Officer, and Enrique Cerezo will remain President of Atlético de Madrid. Both executives, who have overseen the club’s evolution into one of Europe’s top football institutions, will retain minority shareholdings and continue to guide the club’s sporting and commercial strategy.

Under their stewardship, Atlético has achieved two LaLiga titles, regular UEFA Champions League participation, and global brand expansion, supported by consistent community engagement and modern infrastructure projects.

Strategic Investment for Long-Term Growth Apollo Atlético de Madrid

Apollo Sports Capital’s investment will strengthen Atlético de Madrid’s balance sheet and accelerate its strategic initiatives across sporting, financial, and infrastructural areas.

The shareholders plan to inject new capital to support:

• Team development and sporting competitiveness.

• The construction of Ciudad del Deporte, a new mixed-use sports and entertainment district located next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.

• Fan experience innovation and community-focused programs in Madrid.

  
  

The Ciudad del Deporte project aims to create a world-class sports city, integrating training facilities, retail, leisure, and cultural venues. Drawing on Apollo’s global experience across sports, media, and live events, the project is expected to become a regional economic catalyst and a model for sustainable urban redevelopment linked to professional football.

A Major Step in European Football Investment

The agreement continues a recent wave of institutional investment in European football, though Apollo Sports Capital has clarified that Atlético de Madrid will be its flagship equity holding, not part of a multi-club control strategy.

Upon completion, the club — including Atlético de San Luis (Mexico) and Atlético Ottawa (Canada) — will be majority owned by ASC, alongside existing minority shareholders Gil, Cerezo, Quantum Pacific Group, and Ares Management funds. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q1 2026.

Financial details were not disclosed, but analysts view the deal as one of the most significant private investments in Spanish football since LaLiga’s CVC initiative.

Statements from Key Figures

Miguel Ángel Gil, Atlético de Madrid CEO, said:

“We are proud to welcome a committed long-term partner to the club. Apollo Sports Capital is a powerful ally that respects the history, traditions, and identity of Atlético de Madrid and its fans. This new chapter will strengthen our competitiveness and help us continue growing sustainably.”

Gil also highlighted the contribution of existing shareholders, including Wanda Group, Quantum Pacific, and Ares, acknowledging their support during key development stages such as the stadium relocation and expansion of international operations.

Robert Givone, Apollo Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager of ASC, added:

“Atlético de Madrid is one of Europe’s great sporting institutions, and we are honored to invest in such a storied club. Our goal is to back the team, its management, and its community — helping deliver growth across both sporting performance and local impact.”

He emphasized that ASC aims to add value through expertise in infrastructure development, media partnerships, and fan engagement, specifically referencing the Ciudad del Deporte project as a key growth platform.

Context: Apollo’s Growing Sports Portfolio

Apollo Sports Capital, an affiliate of Apollo Global Management, invests across the global sports and live events ecosystem, primarily through credit and hybrid capital structures.

Atlético de Madrid will be its flagship majority equity investment, alongside existing stakes in the Mutua Madrid Open and Miami Open tennis tournaments, operated in partnership with MARI, a venture founded by Ari Emanuel and Mark Shapiro.

ASC is led by CEO Al Tylis, with Rob Givone and Lee Solomon as Co-Portfolio Managers and Sam Porter as Chief Strategy Officer. Legal advisors on the deal included A&O Shearman (for Apollo Sports Capital) and ECIJA (for Miguel Ángel Gil and Enrique Cerezo).