In a joint statement, Atlético and Apollo said the partnership would strengthen the club’s long-term ambitions, emphasizing stability and growth rather than a multi-club ownership model.
“The investment by ASC will reinforce the club’s position among football’s elite and support its ambition to deliver long-term success for millions of fans worldwide,” the statement read. “As long-term investors, ASC and the existing shareholders will partner with Atlético de Madrid’s management to enhance the club’s financial strength, sporting competitiveness, and community impact.”
Despite the ownership change, chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil and president Enrique Cerezo will retain their roles to ensure what the club described as “continuity of vision and leadership.”
Gil’s influence in European football extends beyond Atlético, as he sits on the executive committees of both the European Football Clubs (EFC) group and UEFA.
Apollo Sports Capital, an asset management company with growing interests in global sports, already holds investments in the Madrid Open and Miami Open tennis tournaments. The firm said it plans to invest further in Atlético’s infrastructure, including Ciudad del Deporte, a new sports and entertainment district adjacent to the club’s Metropolitano Stadium.
“We see Atlético as one of Europe’s great sporting institutions,” said Rob Givone, ASC portfolio manager. “Our goal is to support its continued success both on and off the pitch.”
Under long-time coach Diego Simeone, Atlético Madrid — founded in 1903 — has enjoyed one of its most successful eras, winning 11 La Liga titles, most recently in 2021, and reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2014 and 2016, losing narrowly to city rivals Real Madrid.
Previous investors in the club have included Chinese conglomerate Wanda Group, which sold its stake to Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer’s Quantum Pacific Group, paving the way for Apollo’s new majority position.
Would you like me to recast this into a shorter wire-style news brief (like Reuters/Bloomberg tone) or keep it as a feature-length report for a sports business outlet?