Fan Engagement

The sports industry witnessed a record-breaking year for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2024, with deal activity rising 44% compared to 2023, according to a report by financial advisory firm Oaklins. The surge was fueled by private equity (PE) investments, growing fan engagement, and the rise of sports technology. A total of 410 transactions were recorded last year, with private equity accounting for 45% of these deals. The number of PE-backed acquisitions nearly doubled, from 96 in 2023 to 190 in 2024. Key Highlights: NFL teams enter private equity space: The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins made history by selling 10% stakes to Arctos Partners and Ares Management, respectively. Inter Milan takeover: Oaktree Capital Management gained control of the Italian Serie A champions. Premier League acquisition: Everton was purchased by Roundhouse Capital, a division of The Friedkin Group (TFG), in a deal worth over £400 million ($513 million). Niche sports boom: Sports like padel and pickleball saw increased private equity interest in 2024. Sports tech investments rise: Notable deals included Tiga Investments’ acquisition of Dream Sports and DraftKings’ purchase of Simplebet, reflecting the demand for digital sports solutions. Oaklins emphasized that sports franchises and leagues are increasingly viewed as stable, high-value assets, benefiting from media rights, commercial deals, and predictable revenue streams. Looking ahead to 2025, M&A activity is expected to remain strong, with media rights, fan engagement, and private equity interest continuing to drive deals. A robust pipeline of premium sports businesses entering the market suggests the sector will remain highly attractive to investors. Source: Sports. cm