Key Takeaways:
- Velocity Sports Partners has become the principal shareholder of Espanyol, securing 99.66% of the club
- The acquisition, valued at approximately 130 million euros, makes Espanyol the second top-flight European club in VSP’s portfolio alongside Burnley
- Rastar Group retains involvement with Espanyol after obtaining 16.45% of shares in VSP, following nearly a decade as majority owners
VSP Expands Holdings with Espanyol Takeover
Espanyol has announced that Velocity Sports Partners (VSP), an American investment fund affiliated with ALK Capital, is now the club’s majority shareholder. The move marks VSP’s latest expansion into European football, as the group previously acquired English club Burnley five years prior.
✍️ OFFICIAL STATEMENT | Velocity Sports Partners complete acquisition of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona.
— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol_EN) October 9, 2025
Financial Details and Stakeholder Structure
With this deal, VSP now commands 99.66% of Espanyol’s shares, a transaction reportedly worth about 130 million euros. Notably, Rastar Group, the departing majority owners, have not exited entirely – they have acquired a 16.45% stake in VSP, ensuring their ongoing role in the direction of the Catalan side. Rastar had steered Espanyol for nearly ten years as majority shareholders.
Leadership and Future Vision
Alan Pace, the new president, outlined the American investors’ intentions, stating: “Football has always belonged to the people. Our role is not to replace the legacy, but to build on it with care, clarity, and purpose. It’s not about ownership, it’s about stewardship. Burnley will continue to be Burnley. Espanyol will continue to be Espanyol. Each club will retain its own management, identity, independence, and decision-making, and will be run by its people for its fans.”
He further added: “We are here to work honestly, carefully, and openly. To respect the past, support the present, and shape a future worthy of the traditions of both clubs. This is how football evolves: with its people, for its people, and always with a pure and beautiful game. I would like to thank Chen Yansheng and Rastar Group for their management of Espanyol. Their hard work and dedication laid a strong foundation as we look forward to our joint work to take the club to the next level.”
Ongoing Partnership
Despite the transfer of control, Rastar Group remains a significant presence in Espanyol’s management due to its ownership of 16.45% of VSP shares. With both American and Chinese entities collaborating, the Parakeets will continue their progress under new stewardship while maintaining ties to previous leadership.
