Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joins Atlético de Madrid’s ownership group

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the basketball star and Oklahoma City Thunder player, is joining Atlético de Madrid’s ownership group. The club announced his arrival on Friday, adding another figure to a growing list of North American sports stars with an interest in football, including LeBron James and Tom Brady.

“Atlético de Madrid is a firmly established club at the top of European football, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of its future,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. The club described the partnership as resting on “shared values: ambition, excellence and the belief that every result must be earned.” It also said his investment reflected his interest in Atlético’s long-term vision and international development.

The size of Gilgeous-Alexander’s stake has not been disclosed. Regarded as one of the biggest stars in the National Basketball Association (NBA), he joins a group of North American athletes drawn to football. LeBron James became a co-owner of Fenway Sports Group in 2021; the group owns the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool. Tom Brady, a National Football League legend, has a minority stake in Birmingham City, which plays in England’s second division.

Atlético currently sit second in the Spanish league. The club travel to Deportivo Alavés on Saturday for their next league match.