Mexican Football Seeks Improved Investment Terms With Apollo After Failed $1.3 Billion Deal.

Roger Hampel

Image: Sergio Ramos/Instagram

The Mexican Football Federation is exploring new opportunities to secure outside investment, with commissioner Mikel Arriola signaling that conditions may now be favorable for renewed talks with Apollo Global Management, following last year’s collapse of a proposed $1.3 billion capital injection.

According to a report by the Financial Times, Mexican clubs were unable to reach unanimous agreement in December 2024 on Apollo’s initial proposal, which would have created a new entity valued at approximately $13 billion to oversee broadcast, sponsorship, and other commercial rights of Liga MX.

Governance and Market Conditions Mexican Football Apollo

The federation is now preparing reforms to corporate governance and media rights structures before any fresh investment is finalized. Currently, Liga MX clubs negotiate television contracts individually, limiting collective bargaining power.

Arriola told the Financial Times that overhauling these rules is a priority to attract stronger investor interest and ensure smaller clubs benefit alongside the league’s biggest brands, such as Club América and Chivas.

Growth Potential and World Cup Factor

Arriola highlighted Mexico’s combined domestic and U.S. fan base of around 160 million, positioning the league as a significant untapped market for investors. He added that the joint hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by Mexico, the United States, and Canada could increase the league’s valuation and strengthen its commercial leverage.

“We should analyse that valuation,” Arriola told the Financial Times. “From the things that have happened this year and what will happen with the World Cup, I think the figure could increase.”

He also emphasized that the national team’s performance at the tournament will be central to the economic impact on Mexican football.

Strategic Context

While European leagues have attracted major foreign and private equity investment in recent years, Mexican football has seen relatively little activity. That trend may now be shifting. Earlier this year, Querétaro FC was acquired by Innovatio Capital, while actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took a minority stake in Necaxa.

Challenges remain. The league has faced governance issues, corruption scandals, and limited infrastructure investment, with some stadiums dating back to the mid-20th century. However, the federation believes improved transparency and reforms could unlock significant capital inflows.

Sponsorship and Commercial Standing

Liga MX already has several major international sponsors, including BBVA, Hyundai, and T-Mobile. League income in 2025 has been described by Arriola as comparable to that of a World Cup year, but long-term growth depends on structural reform and the ability to secure new investment under terms more favorable than Apollo’s initial offer.