RedBird Explores $267m Al Nassr Deal With Ronaldo

RedBird Capital Partners is exploring a majority investment in Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, with a proposed transaction that could also make Cristiano Ronaldo a shareholder. The US investment firm, led by Gerry Cardinale, has reportedly held discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) over the club’s ownership.

The discussions centre on a potential 70% stake valued at approximately SAR 1bn ($267m), implying an equity valuation of around $381m. Ronaldo could acquire a further 20%, creating a potential ownership structure combining an international investment firm with one of football’s most commercially influential players.

PIF is also reportedly arranging sponsorship agreements with portfolio companies to address approximately SAR 800m ($213m) of Al Nassr obligations ahead of a potential sale. Those arrangements would sit alongside the proposed equity investment, connecting the club’s financial restructuring with its future commercial model and revenue base.

Other possible consortium participants include Riyadh-based Saudi Media Company, while regional reporting has also named former Al Nassr president Ibrahim Al Muhaidib. RedBird already owns AC Milan and Toulouse and has an investment in Fenway Sports Group, giving the proposed consortium experience across football ownership, media and commercial operations.

The discussions sit within Saudi Arabia’s wider programme to attract private investment into professional football and diversify club revenues. For Al Nassr, the proposed ownership mix would bring together international investment expertise, local commercial relationships and Ronaldo’s global audience, potentially opening new sponsorship, distribution and partnership opportunities across international markets.