Key Takeaways:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has acquired a shareholding in Atlético Madrid, as announced by the club
- Atlético currently sit second in LaLiga and have been majority-owned by Apollo Global Management since last year
- The Canadian guard joins fellow NBA players such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant in investing in football clubs
A New Partnership Between NBA and LaLiga
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has twice been named NBA MVP, has purchased a stake in Atlético Madrid, according to a statement from the Spanish football club made on Thursday. Atlético, presently second in LaLiga, revealed that their collaboration with the 28-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder guard is underpinned by shared ideals, including ambition, striving for excellence, and the conviction that every result must be earned.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander apuesta por el Atlético de Madrid y se incorpora como inversor de nuestro club ❤️🤍
🎙️ "Estoy emocionado de unirme oficialmente al grupo de accionistas del Atlético de Madrid. Este es un club con una larga trayectoria en lo más alto del fútbol europeo, y agradezco la oportunidad de formar parte de su futuro", ha declarado el ganador de dos premios MVP consecutivos y campeón de la NBA.
➡️ https://t.co/D8LOoYyxjv
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) October 8, 2026
Ownership Structure and Recent Club Achievements
Atlético Madrid, whose majority ownership passed to US-based Apollo Global Management last year, did not reveal the precise percentage acquired by Gilgeous-Alexander. The club has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, lifting the LaLiga title in both 2014 and 2021 under the stewardship of current coach Diego Simeone.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Background and Career Highlights
The Canadian international has been photographed in Atlético Madrid attire earlier this year, highlighting his interest in the club before the official announcement. After a single campaign with the LA Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to the Thunder in 2019. He played for Canada at the 2024 Olympics, further showcasing his global sporting profile.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievements include leading Oklahoma City to the 2025 NBA Finals, where he was named Finals MVP, and winning his second MVP award a year later, despite the Thunder’s exit in the Western Conference Finals.
NBA Influence Grows in World Football
His investment aligns him with several other prominent NBA stars who have taken ownership positions in major football clubs, such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Gilgeous-Alexander’s involvement adds to the growing presence of NBA players as stakeholders in European football.
