Ronaldinho is considering a move into professional basketball, with the Brazilian football legend joining the race to invest in and potentially take over AS Monaco Basket alongside Andorran investment fund Clayton Sport. The group has reportedly submitted a letter of intent to Monaco’s executive director, Oleksiy Yefimov.
The proposal comes as the French club faces serious financial difficulties. Ronaldinho and Clayton Sport would reportedly take responsibility for around €2.5 million in debts owed to the EuroLeague and provide a €5 million bank guarantee requested by French basketball’s financial regulator.
The proposed project would also involve an investment of approximately €10 million over each of the next three seasons. The funding would be used to improve the club’s financial position while also strengthening its sporting project and helping Monaco return to the highest levels of French and European basketball.
Ronaldinho’s proposal comes shortly after another takeover attempt involving Helen Holdings, an investment group led by former NBA All-Star Jamal Mashburn. The two groups are therefore competing to determine the future ownership and financial direction of the Monaco basketball club.
The situation follows AS Monaco’s exclusion from the 2026-27 Betclic Élite season after French basketball authorities raised concerns over the club’s financial sustainability. The decision also prevented Monaco from competing in France’s second division.
Monaco had enjoyed considerable success on the court, including winning four national titles during the 2025-26 season, but its financial situation has created significant uncertainty over the club’s future.
If Ronaldinho and Clayton Sport’s proposal is completed, their investment would provide Monaco with financial support while attempting to rebuild the club’s position in French and European basketball.
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