Miami Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross Explores Acquisition of Atlético Madrid
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has expressed interest in acquiring Spanish soccer club Atlético Madrid, as reported by Jugones on La Sexta.
On Jugones, Josep Pedrerol revealed that the two parties have already initiated contact as Atlético Madrid commences the process of selling the club. This development comes 18 months after the club’s current owner, Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, stated, “One day, someone will take over.“
Ross acquired 95% ownership of the Dolphins and their stadium in two separate deals in 2008 and 2009, totaling $1.1 billion. Forbes currently values the Dolphins at $5.7 billion.
Ross is reportedly shifting his focus to Spain and soccer, though the deal’s completion is uncertain, as the sale appears to be in the early stages. If the deal goes through, Ross would be the first foreign owner of the club and only the second since the club was entirely owned by its fans.
Atlético, founded in 1903, holds the status of the third-biggest team in Spain, trailing behind the Clásico duo of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The club clinched the LALIGA title 11 times, with their most recent triumph in 2021. Alongside this, they boast 10 Copa del Rey titles and three Europa League trophies, solidifying their standing as a major force in European soccer.
Diego Simeone, the coach, not only played for the club but has also been on the sidelines for over a decade. The management’s consistent and stable approach to sticking with Simeone, widely regarded as the greatest coach in the club’s history, has earned commendation within Spanish soccer circles.
Atlético Madrid: Navigating Success, Ownership Dynamics, and the Potential Sale
Atlético ranked third in Spain, trails behind the Clásico duo of Real. Forbes values the club at 328 million euros ($353 million), solidifying its status as one of Spain’s most valuable sporting teams.
Currently, Atlético HoldCo. owns the majority stake at 70.42%, with other stakeholders including Idan Ofer at 27.8%, and a symbolic share held by club members (under 1%).
Atlético HoldCo., primarily composed of the club’s two major shareholders, consists of Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, who owns 46.7% of shares, including 43.7% in the name of Holding de Inversiones Atléticas SA, and Enrique Cerezo, who holds 15.2%, with 12.6% owned by Videomercury Films.
Gil Marín, son of the controversial Spanish businessman Jesús Gil y Gil, serves as a Vice President of LALIGA. Since acquiring the largest stake in the organization, he has been the public face of the club’s leadership, working alongside the club’s president, Cerezo.
Ranked at number 92 in the 2023 Forbes Rich List, he is among Spain’s wealthiest businessmen, boasting an estimated value of 350 million euros ($376 million).
In recent months, there have been several indications that Atlético could be up for sale. Cerezo stated in May to ABC, “If anyone’s interested in making an offer for Atlético, we’ll listen.”
It is anticipated that any potential buyer will acquire the club’s sporting city project. This project, led by Gil Marín and Cerezo, aims to construct a new training ground facility and public space next to the Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano on the outskirts of Madrid. The expected completion date for the project is 2026.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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