September 23 – The Mexican Football Federation, headed by commissioner Mikel Arriola, believes the national body can negotiate a better deal with US asset firm Apollo Global Management after Liga MX clubs rejected a $1.3billion investment last year.
Arriola, who also acts as president of Mexico’s top-tier Liga MX, said that investor interest in the competition is growing thanks to a substantial North American fan base of over 160 million people.
A year ago, negotiations collapsed on a proposed $1.3 billion deal that would have created a $13 billion entity to manage Liga MX’s broadcast, sponsorship, and commercial rights.
The challenge a year ago centred around governance as Liga MX clubs still negotiate television contracts individually, limiting collective power and leaving smaller teams at a disadvantage.
Arriola has made it clear that reforms to media rights and governance are now a priority, with the goal of attracting investors and ensuring benefits are shared across the league and not just to the two heavyweights of Liga MX, Club América and Chivas.
Mexico is set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada, and Arriola believes that with the added attention, financial groups will see the benefit of investing into one of the largest untapped football markets in the world.
Recent moves show momentum is building. Querétaro FC’s acquisition by Innovatio Capital and the minority stake in Necaxa purchased by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney illustrates that Mexico offers bargain basement deals compared to the English Premier League and English Championship.
Liga MX already counts major brands such as BBVA, Hyundai, and T-Mobile among its sponsors, with 2025 revenues approaching levels usually reserved for a World Cup year.
If Liga MX can modernise and capitalise on the World Cup spotlight, it has the potential to transform from a regional powerhouse into a global commercial player. For investors, the opportunity may never be bigger.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at [email protected]