Private Capital in Sports: Apollo Global Management's $5bn Investment Vehicle and Strategic Moves in Sports Finance
The FT Editor's top picks for the week include Apollo Global Management's plan to launch a $5bn sports investment vehicle. The New York-based firm, with over $800bn in assets under management, is expanding its sports investments, focusing on lending to sports leagues and teams, as well as acquiring stakes in clubs. Apollo is among several private capital groups venturing into sports finance, offering quick capital deployment for high yields. Notable deals include lending to Nottingham Forest Football Club and football agent Kia Joorabchian's Sports Invest Holdings.
Apollo's interest in sports finance extends to potential deals with Atlético Madrid and previous considerations for Manchester United. The firm has also explored investments in the Mexican football league. CVC, a seasoned sports investor, has stakes in La Liga, the Six Nations rugby tournament, and the Gujarat Titans cricket franchise. Ares Management, a peer of Apollo, has provided significant loans to John Textor's Eagle Football group and Chelsea FC. The sports finance landscape is evolving with private capital groups like Apollo making strategic moves in the sector.