Growth equity firm General Atlantic is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in Mexican football, acquiring a significant minority stake in one of the country’s most successful clubs and its flagship stadium, ahead o the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The firm will acquire a 49% stake in Grupo Águilas, a newly created entity that holds Club América, Mexico’s most decorated football team, and the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The transaction values the enterprise at approximately $490m, implying an investment of around $240m by General Atlantic.
Grupo Águilas has been formed by Ollamani Group, which was established by Televisa Group in early 2024 to separate its non-core assets from its media operations. Ollamani will retain a 51% controlling stake in the new entity, while Televisa chairman Emilio Azcárraga Jean will serve as executive president.
Club América is one of the most valuable sports brands in Latin America, with more than 40 domestic and international titles and a substantial fan base across Mexico and the US. It is also among the few publicly listed football clubs globally. The Azteca Stadium, recently renamed Estadio Banorte following a naming-rights agreement, is undergoing a $106m renovation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will open at the venue.
General Atlantic will partner with Kraft Analytics Group, a subsidiary of billionaire Robert Kraft’s holding company, to support data analytics and consulting initiatives across the platform.
The investment reflects growing international appetite for Mexican football, which is increasingly viewed as an attractive alternative to higher-priced US and European sports assets. Ownership stakes in Liga MX clubs are typically available at valuations well below those of Major League Soccer expansion teams, while offering established fan bases on both sides of the US–Mexico border.
Structural reforms are also creating deal flow. Liga MX has moved to eliminate multi-club ownership, forcing several domestic business groups to divest teams and opening the door to foreign capital. League president Mikel Arriola has previously said US investors are actively seeking opportunities, citing strong long-term growth potential as football continues to broaden its appeal in North America.
Recent transactions underscore the trend. In 2021, a consortium including Eva Longoria acquired a 50% stake in Club Necaxa, while Atlanta-based Innovatio Capital completed the full acquisition of Club Querétaro earlier this year. Additional club sales to US-backed investors are expected in the coming months.
