NBA Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes Shareholder in Atlético de Madrid.

Roger Hampel

Image: Atlético de Madrid

Atlético de Madrid has announced that NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has acquired a stake in the Spanish football club, adding the Oklahoma City Thunder player to its shareholder base.

The investment, announced on October 8, 2026, marks the Canadian basketball player's entry into the ownership structure of one of Spain's leading football clubs. Atlético has not specified the size of the stake acquired, the investment amount or whether the transaction involved newly issued or existing shares.

Gilgeous-Alexander, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and 2025 NBA champion, described the investment as an opportunity to participate in Atlético's long-term development.

Gilgeous-Alexander Joins Atlético's Shareholder Base NBA

The investment gives Gilgeous-Alexander an ownership interest in Atlético de Madrid, extending his business activities into European football.

The club presented the agreement as a reflection of the player's interest in its long-term strategy and international growth.

Gilgeous-Alexander said:

“I'm excited to officially join Atlético de Madrid's shareholder group. This is a club with a long history at the highest level of European football, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of its future.”

Atlético Adds International Sporting Profile to Ownership

The addition of Gilgeous-Alexander brings a prominent figure from North American professional basketball into Atlético's shareholder base.

Born in Toronto in 1998 and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, the Canadian international played college basketball at the University of Kentucky before establishing himself in the NBA.

He has since become a central figure for the Oklahoma City Thunder, winning the NBA championship and Finals MVP award in 2025, alongside consecutive regular-season MVP honours.

During the 2025/26 season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points per game while shooting 55.3% from the field, according to the figures published by Atlético.

His sporting profile gives the investment an international dimension, particularly in North America, where basketball has a substantial audience.