NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Buys Stake in Spanish Club Atletico Madrid
NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning back-to-back MVP, has officially joined the ownership group of Spanish football club AtlƩtico Madrid. Announced on October 9, 2026, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard's investment marks a significant step in his business portfolio diversification, following other NBA players into global soccer ownership.
Oklahoma City Thunder's two-time reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has officially joined the ownership group of Spanish football club AtlĆ©tico Madrid, the club announced on Friday, October 9, 2026. This significant move sees the 28-year-old Canadian basketball phenom becoming a shareholder in one of Europe's most prestigious football institutions, further solidifying the growing trend of North American athletes investing in international soccer.Ā Will Kylian Mbappe Play in Real Madrid vs Villarreal La Liga 2026-27 Match?.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Buys Stake inĀ Atletico Madrid
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander apuesta por el AtlĆ©tico de Madrid y se incorpora como inversor de nuestro club ā¤ļøš¤
šļø "Estoy emocionado de unirme oficialmente al grupo de accionistas del AtlĆ©tico de Madrid. Este es un club con una larga trayectoria en lo mĆ”s alto del fĆŗtbol europeo, y agradezco la oportunidad de formar parte de su futuro", ha declarado el ganador de dos premios MVP consecutivos y campeĆ³n de la NBA.
ā”ļø https://t.co/D8LOoYyxjv
ā AtlĆ©tico de Madrid (@Atleti) October 8, 2026
Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his excitement about the venture, stating, "I'm excited to officially join AtlƩtico de Madrid's ownership group. 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." While the specific financial details and the exact size of his stake have not been publicly disclosed, the investment is seen as a strategic step for Gilgeous-Alexander to diversify his business interests beyond the basketball court.
A Growing Trend Among NBA Stars
Gilgeous-Alexander's investment follows a path forged by other NBA luminaries who have ventured into the world of global football ownership. LeBron James holds a minority stake in Liverpool FC, while Kevin Durant has invested in MLS side Philadelphia Union and French giant Paris Saint-Germain. Tom Brady and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also among the notable athletes with stakes in football clubs, underscoring the increasing synergy between top-tier sports and smart business investments.Ā Will Lamine Yamal Play in Barcelona vs Getafe La Liga 2026-27 Match?.
AtlƩtico Madrid, a club with a rich history and a formidable presence in La Liga and European competitions, welcomed Gilgeous-Alexander, highlighting a partnership "grounded in shared values: ambition, excellence and the belief that every result must be earned." The club has been majority-owned by the US-based firm Apollo Sports Capital since March 2026, which acquired a 55% stake, further deepening American ties with the Spanish club.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Stellar Career
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, born July 12, 1998, has rapidly ascended to become one of the NBA's elite players. He led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle in 2025, where he was also named the Finals MVP. He has earned back-to-back NBA MVP awards (2025 and 2026), solidifying his status as a dominant force in the league. Last season (2025-26), he averaged 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds across 68 games, shooting an impressive 55.3% from the field.
This latest investment by Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrates a keen eye for opportunities beyond basketball, aligning with his impressive trajectory both on and off the court as he continues to build a lasting legacy.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 10, 2026 04:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
