The Oklahoma City Thunder guard, who is the reigning back-to-back NBA MVP and won the 2025 NBA championship and Finals MVP award, has joined the ownership structure without the club disclosing the size or value of his investment.
Gilgeous-Alexander said the investment reflects his interest in Atlético’s long-term vision and international growth.
“This is a club with a long-standing presence at the top of European football, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of its future,” he said.
Atlético’s Apollo era
Apollo Sports Capital agreed in November 2025 to become Atlético Madrid’s majority shareholder, with the transaction completed in March 2026.
The deal valued Atlético at €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion), including debt, with Apollo acquiring a 55% stake. Quantum Pacific Group remains the club’s second-largest shareholder, while Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and Enrique Cerezo retained their stakes and continue as CEO and chairman respectively.
Ares, which acquired a 34% stake in Atlético in 2021 for €181.9 million, also remains part of the ownership structure.
Apollo also approved up to €100 million in additional equity and strategic capital for the club, including investment in its teams and new training facilities connected to the sports and entertainment district being developed next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
For Apollo, Atlético is its flagship majority sports investment rather than part of a broader multi-club strategy, although the group also owns Atlético de San Luis in Mexico and Atlético Ottawa in Canada.
A North American commercial opportunity
Gilgeous-Alexander’s arrival also strengthens Atlético’s connection with the North American market.
Born in Toronto and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, the 28-year-old is one of Canada’s most marketable athletes. His profile could provide additional commercial value for Atlético Ottawa, while the club has also strengthened its Canadian connection through the signing of Canada international Jonathan David.
The NBA star has expanded his business interests beyond basketball in recent years. In February, he joined the ownership group of Toronto’s TD Coliseum, while he has also invested in coffee brand La La Land and launched a charitable foundation.
He is also planning to launch a media and entertainment company in early 2027.
From NBA ownership to European football
Gilgeous-Alexander is the latest NBA star to invest in a major European football club.
Kevin Durant became a minority shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain in June 2025 through his investment company Boardroom, with PSG outlining a more active role for the NBA star across merchandise, original content, the U.S. market and potential basketball projects.
Atlético’s announcement, by contrast, simply identifies Gilgeous-Alexander as a shareholder.
The investment nevertheless gives Apollo an opportunity to combine Atlético’s sporting brand with one of North America’s highest-profile basketball stars as the club seeks to accelerate its international and commercial growth.