Shockwaves in Spain: NBA MVP joins Atlético Madrid ownership group

The worlds of basketball and football have collided. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the NBA's biggest superstars, has become a shareholder in Atlético Madrid, bringing two of the world's most popular sports closer together.

The Oklahoma City Thunder standout expressed his delight at joining the Colchoneros' ownership group, citing a strong connection to the club's values. "I am thrilled to officially join Atlético Madrid's ownership group. This is a club with a rich history at the pinnacle of European football, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of its future," he stated.

Born in Toronto in 1998 and raised in Hamilton, Canada, Gilgeous-Alexander played collegiate basketball for the University of Kentucky before entering the NBA. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the sport's premier talents and the face of the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise.

The Canadian point guard has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent years. Crowned an NBA champion and Finals MVP in 2025, he also claimed back-to-back regular-season MVP honors. In 2025/26, he averaged 31.1 points per game and matched Michael Jordan by recording four consecutive seasons averaging at least 30 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. He also set a new NBA record for consecutive games with at least 20 points, pushing his streak to 140 matches to surpass Wilt Chamberlain's mark of 126.

Now, the Thunder superstar makes his foray into football. According to the club, his stake in Atlético Madrid represents a major step forward in the Colchoneros' long-term vision and international expansion.