Investment Round Up - wc 20th Jan
The Sports Playmaker
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Every fortnight, The Sports Playmaker & Stellwagen Ventures provide a round up of the most interesting investment articles circulating in the sports & entertainment industry.
In this edition:
Saudi Expands Sports Investments with $4bn Fund and DAZN Stake
Saudi Arabia continues to make waves in the global sports investment landscape with two major moves. The Kingdom, through its sports investment arm SURJ, has partnered with US private equity firm Enfield to launch a $4 billion fund aimed at expanding identifying and capitalizing on co-investment opportunities across various territories, with a focus on enhancing the reach and impact
In addition to the fund, Saudi Arabia is reportedly in talks to acquire a significant stake in sports streaming giant DAZN, as it seeks to bolster its digital presence in the sports media space. This potential investment aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and position Saudi Arabia as a leading hub for global sports entertainment. These moves reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to shaping the future of the sports industry through substantial financial backing and strategic partnerships.
Manchester United and Chelsea Owners Target Stake in London Spirit
Prominent investors from the football world, including the Glazer family and Todd Boehly, have been shortlisted to acquire a 49% stake in the London Spirit franchise of English cricket’s Hundred competition. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is overseeing the auction, with four finalists in contention for the prestigious Lord's-based team.
Sky News has reported that Boehly, a shareholder in Chelsea FC, along with members of the Glazer family, owners of Manchester United, have advanced to the final round of bidding. Joining them are a consortium of technology executives from Google and Microsoft, and RPSG Group, the Indian conglomerate behind the Indian Premier League's Lucknow Super Giants.
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Major Investors Target Women's Football Growth with Chelsea FC and Bay Collective Initiatives
The landscape of women’s football is set for a significant transformation as major investors, including Angel City FC co-founder Kara Nortman and global investment firm Sixth Street, explore strategic opportunities in the sport. Nortman, through Monarch Collective, an investment fund dedicated to advancing women’s sports, is reportedly considering acquiring a minority stake in Chelsea FC Women, one of Europe’s most successful teams.
Meanwhile, Sixth Street has announced the launch of Bay Collective, a multi-club women’s football organization led by Kay Cossington, MBE, aiming to professionalize and expand the sport globally.
Ineos Investment in Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup Team Under Threat
The future of Ineos Britannia, the America’s Cup sailing team led by British sailing legend Ben Ainslie, is reportedly in jeopardy as tensions rise between Ainslie and Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. According to reports from The Telegraph, the chemicals giant, which has invested approximately UK￡200 million (US$246 million) into the team, is considering pulling its financial backing.
Ineos, co-owned by Ratcliffe, has played a significant role in supporting Ainslie’s bid to secure Britain’s first America’s Cup victory since 1934. The investment has extended beyond financial backing, with technical support provided by the Mercedes Formula One team, in which Ineos holds a stake. Despite these efforts, Ineos Britannia fell short in last year’s America’s Cup final, losing 7-2 to defending champions Team New Zealand. The two victories achieved in the series marked a historic milestone, representing the first wins by a British boat in nearly 90 years.
New Event
Following the success of our inaugural event last November, The Sports Playmaker is delighted to announce that the next Sports Social will take place at the iconic Trump International Golf Course in Dubai, on Thursday 6th February. With many international sports professionals in region for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open WTA Tour event, this second edition of the Sports Social will provide a luxurious setting for senior sports industry executives to network and connect in a relaxed, informal environment.