What Happened to Atlas F.C. (Guadalajara)?
Atlas F.C. is a historic Mexican professional football club based in Guadalajara, Jalisco. After enduring a 70-year league title drought, the club achieved unprecedented back-to-back Liga MX championships in 2021 and 2022 under the ownership of Grupo Orlegi. As of March 2026, Atlas F.C. is undergoing a significant ownership transition, with Grupo Orlegi agreeing to sell the club to an investment group led by Mexican entrepreneur José Miguel Bejos, a move driven by Liga MX's regulations against multi-club ownership.
Quick Answer
Atlas F.C. (Guadalajara) is a professional Mexican football club that recently ended a 70-year Liga MX title drought by winning back-to-back championships in the Apertura 2021 and Clausura 2022 seasons. As of March 2026, the club is in the process of being sold by Grupo Orlegi to an investment group led by José Miguel Bejos, a decision influenced by Liga MX's push to end multi-club ownership. They continue to compete in Liga MX, with their most recent match on March 21, 2026, being a 0-0 draw against Querétaro FC.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Club Foundation
Atlas Fútbol Club is officially founded in Guadalajara, Jalisco, by a group of young Mexicans who had studied in England and brought their passion for football back home.
First Liga MX Championship
Atlas F.C. wins its first-ever Liga MX title in the 1950-51 season, defeating Chivas, marking a significant milestone for the club and the state of Jalisco.
Acquisition by Grupo Orlegi
Mexican investment firm Grupo Orlegi, led by Alejandro Irarragorri, acquires Atlas F.C., initiating a new era for the club with a focus on modernization and strategic development.
Ends 70-Year Liga MX Title Drought
Atlas F.C. defeats Club León in a penalty shootout to win the Liga MX Apertura 2021 title, ending a historic 70-year drought without a league championship.
Querétaro-Atlas Fan Riot
A major riot breaks out between fans during a match between Atlas and Querétaro at Querétaro's stadium, resulting in numerous injuries and drawing significant national and international attention to fan violence in Mexican football.
Wins Back-to-Back Liga MX Titles
Atlas F.C. secures its second consecutive Liga MX title, winning the Clausura 2022 against Pachuca, becoming only the third team in the league's history to achieve a bicampeonato.
AGA Academy Inauguration
The AGA Academy, a state-of-the-art training facility, is inaugurated, representing a significant investment in the club's infrastructure and youth development under Grupo Orlegi.
Grupo Orlegi Announces Sale of Atlas FC
Grupo Orlegi officially confirms it has initiated the process of selling Atlas F.C. to comply with Liga MX regulations aimed at ending multi-club ownership, as they also own Santos Laguna.
AGA Academy Recognized for 2026 World Cup
FIFA officially lists the AGA Academy as a potential Team Base Camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, highlighting Atlas FC's improved infrastructure and international recognition.
José Miguel Bejos Group Agrees to Acquire Atlas FC
A deal is struck for an investment group led by Mexican entrepreneur José Miguel Bejos to acquire Atlas F.C. from Grupo Orlegi, pending final approvals from Liga MX and the Mexican Football Federation.
Liga MX Clausura Match vs Querétaro FC
Atlas F.C. plays a Liga MX Clausura match against Querétaro FC, which ends in a 0-0 draw.
Friendly Match vs Guadalajara
Atlas F.C. participates in a friendly match against local rivals Guadalajara, which concludes in a 0-0 draw.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Atlas F.C., founded on August 15, 1916, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, holds a significant place in Mexican football history as one of the founding members of the professional Liga Mayor (now Liga MX) in 1943. For decades, the club was known for its passionate fanbase and its esteemed youth academy, 'La Academia,' which produced numerous talents for the Mexican national team, but also for a prolonged period without a league title after their first championship in the 1950-51 season.
The fortunes of Atlas dramatically shifted with the acquisition of the club by Grupo Orlegi in 2019. Under the leadership of Alejandro Irarragorri, Grupo Orlegi implemented a new management model focused on talent development, strengthening institutional processes, and making strategic investments in high-performance infrastructure. This approach was a critical factor in revitalizing the club's competitive spirit and on-field performance.
The culmination of this transformation came in December 2021 when Atlas F.C. defeated Club León to win the Liga MX Apertura 2021 title, ending a 70-year championship drought. This historic victory was swiftly followed by another triumph in May 2022, as they secured the Liga MX Clausura 2022 title against Pachuca, becoming only the third team in league history to win back-to-back championships. These successes brought immense joy and renewed national prominence to the club and its loyal supporters.
A significant turning point occurred in July 2025 when Grupo Orlegi announced its intention to sell Atlas F.C. This decision was a direct response to Liga MX's increasing pressure and new regulations aimed at eliminating multi-club ownership, as Grupo Orlegi also owns Santos Laguna. The league's stance intensified after incidents like León's expulsion from the Club World Cup due to multi-ownership violations.
As of March 4, 2026, a deal has been struck for an investment group led by Mexican entrepreneur José Miguel Bejos, owner of the Pericos de Puebla baseball team, to acquire Atlas F.C. from Grupo Orlegi. This transfer marks a new chapter for the club, with expectations of fresh capital and a renewed strategic direction, potentially boosting its projection towards the U.S. market and the Mexican-American community. The transaction is currently awaiting final approval from the Mexican Football Federation and Liga MX's Assembly of Owners.
On the sporting front, Atlas continues to compete in Liga MX. Their recent performance includes a 0-0 draw against Querétaro FC in the Liga MX Clausura on March 21, 2026. They also participated in a friendly match against their rivals Guadalajara on March 29, 2026, which also ended in a 0-0 draw. The club's infrastructure has also seen significant improvements, with the AGA Academy, inaugurated in September 2023, being recognized by FIFA as a potential Team Base Camp for the 2026 World Cup.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Atlas F.C. (Guadalajara) made different choices?