RedBird Capital Partners is reportedly willing to pay about $267 million for a stake in Al Nassr, with Ronaldo retaining around 20% and Saudi Media Company among other potential investors.

The move is part of RedBird’s strategy to deepen ties with Cristiano Ronaldo and leverage his influence, alongside Ronaldo’s CR7 investment in UD Almeria.

RedBird, owner of AC Milan, is reportedly considering acquiring Al-Nassr as part of a US-based information origin.

The bid aligns with Saudi efforts to attract foreign investment to stabilize loss-making clubs and fund LIV Golf amid a period of scale-back in some government spending.

Recent privatizations, including a 70% stake sale in Al Hilal to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding, signal a shift toward privatization and market-driven management of clubs.

Al Nassr faced a financial crisis in July, with salary disbursements and some signings delayed, adding urgency to ownership discussions.

A future under new ownership would focus on financial efficiency, strategic partnerships, and international marketing to raise the club’s competitiveness and brand reach.

The reports originate from Semafor and reflect preliminary interest rather than a finalized agreement.

Any deal would place RedBird at the center of Saudi Arabia’s broader sports expansion, which uses major investments to raise the kingdom’s sporting profile internationally.

Saudi Arabia spent about $900 million in 2023 to attract top players like Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., and Benzema, and has been privatizing clubs by transferring ownership to the PIF or state-linked entities.

Resolving Al Nassr’s debt could enable the sale of 70% of the club to RedBird, a move previously jeopardized by financial liabilities.

The Semafor report notes the PIF’s pursuit of corporate sponsorships to strengthen Al Nassr’s finances, potentially facilitating a sale to RedBird-led investors.