US manager started conversations with a Spanish club for transaction that may include financing from new sports park
Apollo Global Management, the US asset management company, started negotiations with Atletico Madrid for possible stock participation in the Spanish club. Conversations involve a transaction that evaluates the Laliga team in approximately 2.5 billion euros.
The Spanish vehicle Expansion It was the 1st to publicize the negotiations earlier this week. According to, the evaluation of the Madrid club can reach 3 billion euros. Negotiations represent one of the largest private investments in Spanish football in recent years.
The discussions between the company and the Spanish club began with a focus on financing the Parque Metropolitano project, sports and leisure venture. According to the Financial Timesconversations evolved to a broader proposal to buy shares of Atletico Holdco, holding that manages the club.
The Metropolitan Park will be built near the team’s stadium. The project has an estimated 800 million euros, with about 600 million euros to be obtained from private investors.
O Expansion He reported that Apollo showed interest in acquiring majority participation in holding, which would guarantee control over the club. Atletico’s main shareholders are CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín and President Enrique Cerezo.
As reported by Financial TimesGil Marín and Cerezo do not intend to sell their participation, but consider the issuance of new actions to allow Apollo to enter the club.
Ares Management, an investment company in the United States, which has 34% of Atletico Holdco, could sell part or all its participation in the transaction, according to the FT. O Expansion He added that Gil Marín, Cerezo and Ares would have their participation diluted, although initially they did not sell their actions.
Apollo has tried to enter the football market before. The company was linked to the purchase of minority participation in Manchester United and negotiated a $ 1.25 billion agreement to acquire interest in the MX League, the main division of Mexican football, but the transaction did not materialize.
The possible deal with Atletico represents another foreign investment in Spanish football. CVC Capital Partners has invested 2 billion euros in Laliga in exchange for a portion of media rights revenue. Recently, Alk Capital, also from the US, acquired Espanyol.
In the 2023/2024 season, Atletico Madrid recorded revenues of 395 million euros, an increase of 10% compared to the previous season. Club expenses grew to 367.3 million euros, resulting in profit before taxes of 1 million euros.
The club ended Laliga’s 2024/2025 season in 3rd position and has reached the King’s Cup semifinals. In the last 12 years, Atletico reached the UEFA Champions League final twice and recently participated in the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup.
