Tom Conaghan discusses sports investment trends with Sports Business Journal

In a recent Sports Business Journal article examining rising sports valuations and continued transaction activity Tom Conaghan, co-leader of McDermott Will & Schulte’s media, entertainment and sports practice, discussed the growing appeal of sports as an asset class for private equity investors.

Tom noted that sports is “the only sector that’s probably outperforming right now, based on returns on investments,” with performance comparing favorably to other industries. As private equity fund managers continue to face challenges elsewhere, he expects more investors to take a closer look at opportunities in sports.

About McDermott Will & Schulte’s Sports Group

For more than 30 years, McDermott Will & Schulte has represented owners, investors, agencies, players and their business entities, teams, and sports venues around the world in various leagues, including the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), National Football League (NFL), and PGA TOUR, handling their most critical matters. Our award-winning sports practice has been recognized in Chambers, Legal 500, and as Law360’s 2026 Practice Group of the Year (Sports & Betting), underscoring our leading position in the industry. The top-tier M&A, tax, and estate planning lawyers on our team have experience handling individual investments in teams; the purchase and sale of franchises; critical real estate, intellectual property, endorsement, and media rights deals; employment matters; and tax and private client planning for players and their families. We deliver a client-centric approach while solving your most complicated matters in the rapidly evolving sports world. When you work with us, Always Better isn’t just our goal – it’s your advantage.