Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, has joined the ownership group of Atletico Madrid. The club confirmed the news in a press release on Thursday, describing the partnership as "grounded in shared values: ambition, excellence and the belief that every result must be earned."
Gilgeous-Alexander, 28, has bought a small stake in the club, according to sources with knowledge of the deal who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect relationships. The exact value and size of his investment has not been disclosed by Atletico.
"I'm excited to officially join Atlético de Madrid's ownership group," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "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."
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard was pictured in an Atletico tracksuit ahead of the announcement. Atletico described the investment as Gilgeous-Alexander "building on an affinity" for the club.
The Canadian joined the Thunder in 2019 after one season with the LA Clippers. He won the NBA MVP and Finals MVP awards in 2025 as the Thunder won the championship, and he was named MVP again in 2026.
Atletico has won La Liga 11 times, most recently in 2021, and reached the Champions League final twice between 2014 and 2016, losing both times to city rivals Real Madrid. The club has been majority owned by American asset management company Apollo Global Management since 2025, a deal that valued Atletico at around €2billion. Quantum Pacific Group, owned by Idan Ofer, and Ares Management hold minority stakes.
Latest in a growing trend
Gilgeous-Alexander becomes the latest NBA figure to invest in soccer. LeBron James became a minority shareholder at Liverpool in 2011. Kevin Durant invested in Paris Saint-Germain in July 2025, having previously taken a five per cent stake in Philadelphia Union in 2020 and become a minority owner of NY/NJ Gotham in the NWSL in 2022. Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the Chelsea Women ownership group in February 2026, after becoming a minority investor in Nashville SC in 2023. The 49ers Enterprises group that owns Leeds United includes NBA star Russell Westbrook.
A club entering a new phase
Atletico, under head coach Diego Simeone for more than 14 years, has built a reputation for resilience and defensive grit while establishing itself as the main challenger to the Real Madrid-Barcelona duopoly in Spain. The club's Metropolitano stadium, which holds more than 70,000 spectators, is set to host this year's Champions League final. Atletico has also agreed a deal with Live Nation to host dozens of concerts at the venue over the next 10 years.
