US Fund Apollo Takes Control of Spanish Football Club Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid sold to Apollo Sports Capital in $2.9 billion deal

Apollo Sports Capital acquires majority stake in Atletico Madrid, valuing the Spanish football club at approximately $2.9 billion.

 “We are equally excited to remain minority investors and continue providing strategic support...”

Apollo Global Management has acquired a majority stake in Atlético de Madrid, valuing the club at around $2.92 billion. This move marks a significant shift in ownership for the Spanish football club, with Apollo Sports Capital (ASC) becoming the majority shareholder.

The deal is expected to strengthen Atlético de Madrid's financial position and support its long-term ambitions, including investment in the team and infrastructure projects. CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and President Enrique Cerezo will continue to lead the club, ensuring continuity and stability.

Apollo Sports Capital, the sports investment arm of US fund Apollo, has agreed to become the majority shareholder of Atletico Madrid, valuing the Spanish football club at approximately 2.5 billion euros ($2.9 billion). The deal sees Apollo acquiring around 55% of Atletico Madrid's shares, with current CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin and President Enrique Cerezo remaining in their roles and as shareholders.

The investment is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Apollo's acquisition marks the latest venture into sports by private equity firms, attracted by the stable and predictable revenue streams of top-tier football clubs. The deal is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Atletico Madrid's financial position and support its long-term ambitions.

Ares Sport's co-head and director on Atletico HoldCo's board, Jim Miller, expressed enthusiasm about the deal, saying, “We are equally excited to remain minority investors and continue providing strategic support as the club builds on its momentum.”

Atlético de Madrid to welcome Apollo Sports Capital as majority shareholder

ℹ️ https://t.co/nJXYdMZfxH pic.twitter.com/hSlzNyjaSm

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 10, 2025

The deal, which values Atletico Madrid at approximately 2.5 billion euros, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. A&O Shearman acted as legal counsel to Apollo Sports Capital, while ECIJA acted as legal counsel to Gil Marin and Cerezo.