Two-Time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes Co-Owner of Real Madrid Rivals Atlético

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become a shareholder in Atlético Madrid, joining the ownership group of Real Madrid's fierce city rivals just months after winning his second consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player award.

The Spanish football club announced the investment on Thursday, 8 October 2026, confirming that the 28-year-old Canadian basketball star had acquired a stake in the LaLiga side.

However, Atlético did not disclose the size of his investment or the percentage of shares he now owns.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Joins Atlético Madrid Ownership

Atlético confirmed the partnership through an official statement, describing the investment as a reflection of shared ambitions and a commitment to long-term success.

Gilgeous-Alexander expressed excitement about becoming involved in European football beyond his achievements on the basketball court.

'I'm excited to officially join Atlético Madrid's ownership group,' he 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 investment represents a significant step into football ownership for one of the NBA's most recognisable players.

Atlético said the partnership reflected values including ambition, excellence and the belief that sporting success must be earned. The club also highlighted Gilgeous-Alexander's interest in its long-term development and international expansion.

Although the financial details remain undisclosed, his involvement brings another globally recognised sporting figure into Atlético's ownership structure.

NBA Superstar Invests in Real Madrid's City Rivals

The investment carries an interesting sporting connection because Atlético share one of European football's most prominent rivalries with Real Madrid.

Both clubs compete in LaLiga and regularly face each other in the Madrid derby, a fixture with considerable domestic and international attention. Atlético have established themselves as major challengers to Real Madrid and Barcelona, winning Spanish league titles in 2014 and 2021 under manager Diego Simeone.

Gilgeous-Alexander's decision therefore connects one of basketball's biggest names with a club competing against some of football's most recognisable institutions. His arrival also follows a significant change in Atlético's ownership.

In March 2026, Apollo Sports Capital completed its acquisition of a majority stake in the club, becoming its controlling shareholder. Atlético retained Miguel Ángel Gil as chief executive and Enrique Cerezo as chairman following the transaction.

The ownership group also approved additional strategic investment of up to €100 million to support the club's sporting operations and infrastructure projects.

From NBA Champion to Football Investor

Gilgeous-Alexander enters football ownership following an extraordinary period in his basketball career. Despite his new investment, Gilgeous-Alexander remains an active NBA player with Oklahoma City.

His Atlético stake does not involve a change in his basketball career. Instead, the investment provides him with a financial interest in one of Spain's leading football clubs.

For Atlético, welcoming an NBA superstar offers another opportunity to expand their international profile while strengthening connections with audiences beyond European football.