Tennis Star Andy Kohlberg Takes Up Majority Ownership Of RCD Mallorca

Former tennis star Andy Kohlberg is set to become Spanish soccer team RCD Mallorca’s largest stakeholder after buying out shares from Robert Sarver, co-founder of Southwest Value Partners and previous owner of the Phoenix Suns, and other investors.

Kohlberg will continue in his current role of club president, a role which he took on after investing alongside Sarver in 2016, and will look to maintain the club’s current strategy for growth.

Former NBA star Steve Nash has retained his shares, having taken part in the investment in 2016 alongside Sarver and Kohlberg, worth a total value of $21 million. Graeme Le Saux, the former England and Chelsea soccer player, was also involved and took up a place on the board at the time.

The deal is expected to be complete by June 30, therefore providing a smooth transition in the off-season as Kohlberg takes up majority ownership. It comes six months after Sarver sold his stakes in the Phoenix Suns.

Ambitions for the project

“RCD Mallorca has immense potential. Our goal is to continue to enhance the fans’ experiences through a state-of-the-art stadium integrated into the city and a highly competitive team,” Kohlberg said in a statement.

Alfonso Díaz and Pablo Ortells will remain in their roles leading the Business and Sports areas of the club, with the latter overseeing the first team alongside coach Javier Aguirre.

“We have an unwavering commitment to enhance fan engagement in partnership with the city to modernize our stadium, while continuing our aspiration to be a top 10 club in all aspects of business and sports,” Kohlberg said in a video posted on the club’s social media accounts.

It comes after Aguirre led the team to finish ninth in the 2022/23 campaign, the club’s best finish since 2011/12 and only the 12th time in their history that they have finished in the top half of the first division.

Stadium project

The Estadio Mallorca Son Moix is currently undergoing building work which is forecast to be completed in 2024 to update and modernize the existing stadium. After years of consideration, Kohlberg and the current board opted to build on their existing site as opposed to building a new stadium.

The works include the removal of an athletics track around the field, bringing spectators closer to the action, as well as remodeling works to improve access and facilities in all four stands.

It is also expected that the capacity of the arena will increase, from 23,142 to around 25,800 fans, with the east stand also being given a covered roof to provide shelter for fans on match days.