Basketball star Gilgeous-Alexander invests in Atlético Madrid

On October 9, 2026, the Spanish top club Atlético Madrid announced that the 28‑year‑old basketball superstar Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander will become part of its ownership group. The Canadian NBA star, who was MVP choice in the last two seasons and 2025 champion with the Oklahoma City Thunder, is thus entering the football sphere.

Quote from the new investor

“I am delighted to now officially be part of Atlético Madrid’s ownership circle,” said Gilgeous‑Alexander. “The club has been at the top of European football for many years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its future.”

Atlético Statement

Atlético Madrid emphasized that the partnership is based on shared values: ambition, excellence and the belief that every success must be earned through hard work. The club did not disclose the exact share that Gilgeous‑Alexander has acquired.

Financial classification

With a squad value of €704 million, Atlético ranks after Real Madrid and FC Barcelona as the most valuable Spanish club and sits at 13th place worldwide. Media reports speak of a small stake by the NBA professional, without citing concrete figures.

NBA stars in football

The trend of basketball stars investing in European football began with LeBron James, who became a minority shareholder of Premier League club FC Liverpool in 2011. Kevin Durant purchased shares in Champions League winner Paris Saint‑Germain in July 2025, Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the ownership circle of the women’s team of FC Chelsea in February 2026, and in 2023 he acquired shares in MLS club Nashville SC.

Source and topic linking

The announcement appeared in the section “News Transfers & Rumors Market Values Competitions Statistics Community Gaming Recommendations For Player Agents Advisor‑Support Advisor‑Companies Premium Service Video” and is simultaneously listed as “Latest” and “All” news in the Bundesliga club forums. As highlighted in the analysis by Atl experts, the move is another example of a superstar‑star acting beyond pure sport boundaries.

Impact on community and service

Such cross‑border investments create a network that strengthens both the community and the gaming environment, opening new support possibilities for both sports. For player agents, this opens additional premium‑service options that go beyond traditional transfer models.

Gilgeous‑Alexander’s involvement demonstrates that the link between basketball and European football is deepening further and could spark future collaborations between the two markets.