Emerging leagues, emerging opportunities: Strategic investments in new professional sports

Professional sports is currently one of the hottest sectors in the United States, as enterprise valuations of teams continue to dramatically increase. Historically, the preserve of ultra-high-net-worth individuals where investment opportunities arose once in a generation, the relaxation of league shareholding rules, and a growing appetite among institutional investors have fueled a robust and vibrant deal environment.

As high valuations continue to bring more sellers to market in the big four US professional sports of football, basketball, hockey, and baseball, investors that do not have billions at their disposal are starting to look deeper into the sector. We are seeing the interest in emerging sports increasing as investors continue to look for new angles and networks remain hungry for sports content to satisfy viewers.