Welcome to Extreme Investor Network, where we bring you the latest insights and trends in the world of business news. Today, we are diving into the exciting intersection of women’s soccer and private equity.
Women’s soccer is making waves by attracting private equity investors like never before. While other major U.S. sports leagues have allowed passive, minority stakes from private equity firms, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is paving the way by allowing these firms to take majority control of the economics.
In a recent interview with CNBC, Jessica Berman, commissioner of the NWSL, highlighted the potential for institutional capital to bring additional resources and growth opportunities to the league. This sentiment is echoed by private equity firms like Sixth Street and Carlyle, who have made significant investments in women’s soccer teams, including the San Francisco Bay FC and the Seattle Reign FC.
The investment landscape in women’s sports is evolving rapidly, with elite revenue poised to cross the billion-dollar mark for the first time. Soccer, in particular, represents a significant portion of this revenue, driven by factors such as merchandise sales, ticket sales, partnerships, and sponsorships.
One key driver of this growth is the recent $240 million, four-year media deal signed by the NWSL, signaling a major milestone in broadcasting rights for women’s sports. This deal, along with potential acquisitions like Disney CEO Bob Iger and his wife Willow Bay’s rumored bid for Angel City FC at a record $250 million valuation, is pushing valuations to new heights.
As private equity interest in women’s soccer continues to rise, there are important questions about how institutional capital will shape the future of the sport. Commissioner Berman emphasized the need for cautious navigation in this space, as the league explores new ownership models and governance structures.
Join us at Extreme Investor Network as we continue to track the exciting developments in women’s soccer and private equity, and explore the opportunities and challenges facing this dynamic industry. Stay ahead of the curve with our exclusive insights and analysis, only on our platform.