# Brazilian football clubs SAF deals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-football-clubs-saf-deals
> Updated: 2026-08-07T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

After Avaí Futebol Clube members approved the sale of a 90% SAF stake in mid-July, two competing proposals were detailed: Kactus Capital’s R$400 million offer and Racine LLC’s R$481 million package. A week later, Ponte Preta confirmed its SAF project was in the final documentation stage, targeting roughly R$1.1 billion to fund operations, debt restructuring, and stadium modernization.

In August, Santos Futebol Clube advanced its negotiations with U.S.-based SDC Sports LLC and the Saint Dominique fund. Following a five-month due diligence process and an audit of assets and liabilities, the parties signed a non-binding term sheet. The deal involves a potential investment of up to R$1 billion for an 80% controlling stake, with SDC Sports also set to assume approximately R$1 billion in existing debt.

The proposed project for Santos focuses on four strategic pillars: youth categories, infrastructure (including the Rei Pelé and Meninos da Vila training centers), brand expansion, and professional football performance. To finalize the transaction, Santos must reform its statutes and secure approval from its Deliberative Council and General Assembly of Associates. SDC Sports is scheduled to present its project and leadership team to the club's council in late August.

Together, these moves illustrate a rapid expansion of the SAF model across Brazil, as clubs seek large private-capital injections to achieve financial stability, upgrade infrastructure, and professionalize governance.

## Claims

- SDC Sports completed a five-month due diligence process regarding the club's assets and liabilities. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The deal potentially involves an investment of up to R$ 1 billion for an 80% stake in the SAF. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The transaction includes the assumption of approximately R$ 1 billion in the club's current debt. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The final sale requires statutory changes and approval from the Deliberative Council and General Assembly of Associates. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- SDC Sports has signed a non-binding term sheet to acquire a controlling stake in Santos SAF. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The investment project targets youth categories, infrastructure, brand, and professional football. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: Santos FC advances SAF sale negotiations with SDC Sports

Santos FC is progressing in negotiations with U.S.-based SDC Sports LLC to acquire an 80% stake in a new SAF, involving up to R$ 1 billion in investment and the assumption of R$ 1 billion in debt.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santos-fc-awaits-us-fund-saint-dominiques-r1-billion-saf-proposal

### 2026-07-27: Ponte Preta SAF deal valued at R$1.1 bn drives club restructuring in Brazil

Ponte Preta's SAF plan, valued at R$1.1 bn, moves toward council approval while Desportiva Ferroviária's SAF, backed by Tiva Investimentos, completes paperwork ahead of implementation.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ponte-preta-saf-deal-valued-at-r11-bn-drives-club-restructuring-in-brazil

### 2026-07-14: Avaí Football Club approves sale of 90% SAF stake for up to R$ 481 million

Avaí FC members approved selling 90% of its SAF, with Kactus Capital offering R$400 million and Racine LLC proposing R$481 million, both pledging debt clearance and investment in football and infrastructure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ava-football-club-approves-sale-of-90-saf-stake-for-up-to-r-481-million

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Cite as: Brazilian football clubs SAF deals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/brazilian-football-clubs-saf-deals