Velocity Sports Partners complete majority takeover of Espanyol

Velocity Sports Partners (VSP) has completed the purchase of La Liga club RCD Espanyol from the China-based Raster Group.

Almada (R) of Atletico de Madrid vies with Tyrhys Dolan of RCD Espanyol during the Laliga football match between Atletico de Madrid and RCD Espanyol, in RCDE Stadium, Barcelona, Spain, on Aug. 17, 2025. (Photo by Joan gosa/Xinhua)

VSP, which is the investment arm of ALK Capital led by Alan Pace, confirmed the purchase in a statement on the Espanyol website Thursday morning.

"This marks a significant milestone for VSP, as it expands its footprint into Spanish football and formalizes a new era of collaboration and growth," explains the statement, adding the purchase has been completed after "an extensive period of due diligence."

The new owners promise to invest in "world-class academies and infrastructure, to achieve long-term footballing success on and off the field, and to foster an open and transparent relationship with supporters."

Pace also thanked Espanyol's previous owners, saying he wanted to express "gratitude to Chen Yansheng and the Rastar Group for their stewardship of RCD Espanyol."

"Their hard work and commitment have laid a strong foundation, and we look forward to working alongside them as we aim to take the club to the next level," he concluded.