Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes Part Owner of Atletico Madrid

NBA Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Invests in Atletico Madrid

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the celebrated NBA champion, has expanded his sports portfolio by joining the ownership group of Atletico Madrid. This marks a notable crossover between top-tier American basketball and Spanish football.

New Chapter at Atletico Madrid

The La Liga club recently announced that Gilgeous-Alexander is now part of their ownership team. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard, known for his championship success, brings his competitive drive to the Wanda Metropolitano. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ambition, resilience, and excellence—qualities that have defined Diego Simeone's leadership on the sidelines.

"I’m excited to officially join Atlético 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," Gilgeous-Alexander said in an official statement.

Champion Mindset Meets Football Tradition

Gilgeous-Alexander’s involvement goes beyond investment; he is an elite athlete at the peak of his career. Born in Toronto and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, he made his mark through Canadian basketball before starring at the University of Kentucky. Now the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder, he has earned back-to-back NBA MVP titles and led his team to the 2025 NBA championship, where he also took home Finals MVP honors.

He shares a rare achievement alongside Michael Jordan as one of the only guards to average over 30 points with 50 percent shooting across four straight seasons, underscoring his remarkable consistency. Atletico Madrid celebrated his addition on social media, calling him a "ganador de dos premios MVP consecutivos."

Global Growth and Shared Vision

This partnership aligns with Atletico’s plan for international expansion. Bringing in a global sports icon like Gilgeous-Alexander aims to attract younger fans worldwide who follow both the NBA and Champions League. Club leaders believe his focus on growth and the future will add valuable insight in the boardroom as they pursue major trophies domestically and in Europe.

Boosting Atletico’s Brand

Gilgeous-Alexander’s role is expected to unlock new commercial ventures and cross-promotions linking basketball and football. As the club builds its presence overseas, having a prominent American sports figure involved offers a strong marketing advantage. Fans are already imagining possibilities such as preseason tours in North America or lifestyle partnerships merging the two sports’ cultures. This fresh approach has generated excitement among the Atletico community.

• Event: Deportivo Alaves vs Atletico Madrid
• Date: 10 October 2026
• Time: 17:15