Mexico City – A significant financial restructuring at Club América, one of Mexico’s most prominent soccer teams, has sparked considerable debate. In late December 2025, Grupo Ollamani, the ownership group of Club América, announced a partnership with U.S.-based investment firm General Atlantic, granting the latter a 49% stake in the club, Estadio Banorte, and adjacent real estate for approximately $490 million USD (General Atlantic, 2025). While initially perceived as a partial sale, details emerging suggest a more nuanced financial strategy orchestrated by Emilio Azcárraga, the controlling shareholder of Ollamani, aimed at securing liquidity while retaining long-term control of the iconic franchise.
The move prompted questions about the valuation of the club and the rationale behind relinquishing a substantial portion of ownership. Initial reactions focused on whether the $490 million price tag adequately reflected the value of Club América, a team with a storied history and a massive fanbase. However, reports indicate the transaction wasn’t a straightforward sale, but rather a collateralized loan, a strategic maneuver designed to inject capital into the club without ceding permanent control. This financial arrangement allows Grupo Ollamani to access significant funds for player acquisitions and stadium improvements while maintaining the ultimate decision-making authority.
According to reporting by Ignacio “Fantasma” Suárez, the deal is structured as a pledge of assets, meaning the 49% stake serves as temporary collateral for a loan from General Atlantic (OneFootball, 2025). This allows Ollamani, which will retain a 51% controlling stake, to gradually repurchase the shares as the debt is repaid. The plan, as outlined, involves Grupo Ollamani, Grupo Televisa, and Grupo Ollamani working to settle the debt and reclaim full ownership of the club.
Strategic Partnership and Kraft Analytics Group Involvement
The partnership extends beyond a simple financial transaction. General Atlantic’s investment is coupled with a collaboration with Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR), the data analytics firm owned by the Kraft family, owners of the New England Patriots in the NFL (General Atlantic, 2025). KAGR will provide its expertise in customer data analytics and fan experience to enhance Club América’s operations and engagement strategies. This integration of data-driven insights aims to modernize the club’s approach to fan relations and revenue generation.
Emilio Azcárraga will continue to serve as Executive Chairman of Grupo Águilas, the newly created entity encompassing Club América, Estadio Banorte, and the surrounding land, ensuring continuity in leadership and strategic direction (General Atlantic, 2025). This arrangement underscores the Azcárraga family’s commitment to maintaining control over the club’s long-term vision, despite the influx of external investment.
Legal and Regulatory Approvals
The completion of the deal is contingent upon approval from shareholders and the Mexican National Antitrust Commission. These regulatory hurdles are standard procedure for transactions of this magnitude and are expected to be cleared in the coming weeks. The legal framework surrounding the deal was supported by Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in New York and Galicia Abogados in Mexico City (LatinLawyer, 2026).
The financial maneuver is seen by many as a shrewd move to bolster the club’s financial position and competitiveness. The injection of capital is expected to facilitate the acquisition of high-profile players and improvements to Estadio Banorte, enhancing the overall fan experience. The partnership with General Atlantic and KAGR signals a commitment to modernizing the club’s operations and leveraging data analytics to drive growth.
What to Watch Next
The coming months will be crucial as Grupo Ollamani works to execute its plan to repurchase the 49% stake from General Atlantic. The speed and efficiency of this process will be closely monitored by fans and industry observers alike. The success of the partnership will also depend on the effective integration of KAGR’s data analytics capabilities and the realization of tangible improvements in fan engagement and revenue generation. The focus now shifts to the on-field performance of Club América and its ability to capitalize on this new financial foundation.
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