Anthony McGuire’s Post

🚨 Important News in the World of Sports 🚨 Bob Iger and Willow Bay have acquired Angel City FC, marking a significant milestone in the women’s football industry. This agreement for the Los Angeles-based Football Club represents the highest valuation ever for a professional women’s team, highlighting the growing popularity and impact of women’s sports globally. ACFC become the world's most valuable women's professional sports team. This acquisition not only reinforces the commitment to the growth of the sport but also opens new opportunities for the development and visibility of women’s football. It is a testament to the power and potential of women’s sports and a step forward towards the equality and recognition that female athletes deserve. Moreover, this move consolidates the concept of #Sportainment, where sports and entertainment merge to create unique and engaging experiences for fans. Bob Iger and Willow Bay, known for their leadership at The Walt Disney Company, bring a wealth of experience and vision that promises to transform the landscape of women’s football. 🔗 Read more about this news here: https://lnkd.in/et-wz_3m #WomensFootball #Sports #Investments #Leadership #Equality #Sportainment

From The Economist: New leagues are not just storming the field in America. They are a global phenomenon, with the exception of China, where professional sport has struggled in recent years, with a major corruption scandal rocking football. The Kings League, for football, was founded in Spain in 2022, has expanded to Latin America and will soon launch in Italy. That same year investors launched a baseball team in the United Arab Emirates, which aims for sport to account for 0.5% of its GDP by 2031. Saudi Arabia is spending billions on sports and founded LIV Golf, a tour that includes teams in what is usually a solo game; next the country will reportedly invest as much as $2bn in a professional boxing league. Investors are rooting for many of the upstart leagues, and it is not hard to understand why. Teams have appreciated handsomely over the past few decades in America, with valuations outperforming the S&P 500. A #sports franchise also offers diversified income streams, with revenue from broadcast deals, sponsorship, ticket sales and merchandise. Traditional teams are few and expensive, especially since private-equity firms and sovereign-wealth funds have got in the game in recent years; startup leagues are cheaper, but still come with bragging rights for wealthy owners. A professional baseball squad costs about a hundred times more than a bull-riding outfit, but a PBR Teams event can have as many viewers as some baseball teams, according to Marc Lasry of Avenue Capital Group, a hedge fund that owns the New York Mavericks and has invested in SailGP and pickleball. “There’s a huge arbitrage there,” he insists. Rapidly appreciating #media rights have boosted the value of teams and given an assist to new leagues. In a business full of uncertainty, sports enthusiasts are probably the biggest fans of live #entertainment. Broadcasters are paying ever more for the privilege of distributing it to them. The entry of streamers like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV + and Netflix into the scrum has further pushed up prices for sports rights. Once leagues had to compete for limited airtime; now there is a platform for everyone and everything. I don’t think this would have happened 20 years ago without the advances in #technology. There’s just more eyeballs out there,” says Mike Keenan, who runs the sport practice for PwC Intense fan culture, which has swept the world of entertainment writ large, has given new teams a boost. So strong is appetite for watching #sport that viewers want to turn on shows about athletes even when they are off the pitch. PBR was the subject of Netflix and Amazon series. Next year Brad Pitt will star in a #film about Formula 1, which has already featured in a hit documentary series on Netflix. In other words, there are more ways than ever to find fans—and to be one. That does not mean that a golden age for leagues will translate into gold for everyone. “Historically there is a lot of roadkill in this space” #TV #streaming

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 in team valuations across major U.S. sports leagues over the past decade has reshaped the sports business landscape. With the National Basketball Association (NBA) leading at a staggering 𝟰𝟵𝟵% increase and even the Major League Soccer showing a 𝟯𝟯𝟲% jump, these figures reflect the increasing monetization of sports franchises through 1️⃣ Media Rights Deals 2️⃣ Sponsorships 3️⃣ Global Market Expansion. This surge in value has attracted 𝙝𝙞𝙜𝙝-𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨 and billionaires to the sports ownership arena, driving up purchase prices and making team ownership an increasingly exclusive club. As team values continue to soar, leagues are likely to explore 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔, potentially leading to more international games, technological innovations in fan engagement, and possibly even new franchises in untapped markets. The success of these established leagues provides a blueprint for future sports ventures. New leagues might focus on 1️⃣ Underserved Markets 2️⃣ Innovative Game Formats 3️⃣ Sports with Growing Global Appeal.

The growth of women's sports is remarkable 📈 And the WNBA is raising the bar even higher. This year the attendance for the league has surged. Ticket prices continue to break records, and merchandise sales have also reached unprecedented levels. In the third matchup between Chicago Sky WNBA & Indiana Fever, the demand for tickets surged on the resale market. Courtside seats for the game went as high as $14,000 via TickPick and the average ticket price for the game was $271, significantly higher than the previous average of $124. Here are the five most expensive games in the league so far, with average ticket prices per USA Today: • Indiana Fever at Chicago Sky (June 23): $271 • Indiana Fever at Minnesota Lynx (August 24): $252 • Indiana Fever at Minnesota Lynx (July 14): $235 • Chicago Sky at Washington Mystics (June 14): $235 • Indiana Fever at Phoenix Mercury (June 30): $216 In Sportico's recently released public valuations of WNBA teams, the 12 WNBA teams are collectively worth $1.16B and range from $140M (Las Vegas Aces) to $55M (Atlanta Dream WNBA).  The increase in ticket prices, combined with the addition of expansion teams such as the Golden State Valkyries and the expected Toronto franchise in 2026, shows promising growth and exciting opportunities. With more investment interest, expectations are growing for increased salaries, better facilities, and overall advancements in league operations. As they say, it's only up from here 🚀 📥 For more about the business of sports, investments, and technology, join my free newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dUYVHG5y #sportsbusiness #womenssports #sportsinvestment https://lnkd.in/eGjciCXB

💸 The famous Carlyle Group purchased its first pro sports team! 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Starting in 2019 the floodgates have opened as 4/5 major US sports leagues have allowed PE firms to invest in the franchises. Since then 63 major North American sports teams valued at $243.8bn have become involved in some form with PE firms. The NBA has been particularly attractive to PE firms, with at least 20/30 teams having some form of PE connection. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲𝐥𝐞'𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞: In the most recent deal announced yesterday a group led by Carlyle has reached an agreement to purchase the NWSL’s Seattle Reign FC in a deal that values the club at $58mn. The NWSL has also just introduced new regulations for PE firms: - Can own passive minority stakes in no more than 3 teams - Stakes range between 5% and 20% - Max equity franchise can sell: 30% - Investments in a single team remain unrestricted. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞? - Sports franchises as alternative/ uncorrelated asset class - Very predictable cash flows from media rights deals - Deep customer affinity and loyalty for the teams - Very limited supply of premium sports assets 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬! - Which pros and cons do you see for PE investments in sports? Follow me (Mark A. H.) for more content on sports business, athlete stories + my entrepreneurial take. Behind the Athletes Podcast Moritz Gessl

Throughout this month, I will share thoughts on various sports topics from a business perspective. First up: The Caitlin Clark Effect. Clark transformed the WNBA and women’s sports in the U.S. as a rookie. Some numbers: ➡ Indiana Fever sold 100% of season tickets; total attendance up 264%. ➡ 230,000 fans attended Fever's road games, boosting league-wide sales. ➡ Jersey sales surged 1,193%; merchandise sales up 500%. ➡ Fever's social media gained 1.3M followers since April 2024. ➡ 38 games aired nationally—most in WNBA history. ➡ Sponsorships up 225%; record team sponsors. ➡ WNBA set viewership records, averaging 1.2M viewers per game (+170%). This is just a sample of the massive impact Clark’s arrival has had on the league. My key thoughts ⬇ 🔹 Elevating Viewership & Engagement: Clark's popularity and performances have driven record viewership across the WNBA. She brought in new fans, benefiting all teams and players, and showed how a star player can act as a catalyst for league-wide growth. Following this surge, the WNBA announced expansion to 15 teams by 2026, with new franchises in Portland, Toronto, and San Francisco. More growth will undoubtedly follow. Clark has planted a seed that will flourish in the coming seasons. 🔹 Commercial Opportunities: Clark’s appeal extends beyond the court, drawing new sponsorships and partnerships for both the league and its players. This creates significant commercial opportunities, not only for the WNBA but also for brands eager to engage with a growing and passionate fanbase. The league, franchises, and brands will continue to leverage this opportunity in the coming years. 🔹 Broadcasting Deals: In June, the WNBA secured an 11-year, $2.2 billion TV deal, with the potential to rise to $3 billion as new partners join by 2026. This deal is 3x larger than the current one, and I believe that Clark’s presence has directly contributed to this massive business win for the league. 🔹 Inspiring the Next Generation: Clark’s success will inspire young athletes, encouraging more investment in developing future talent. This will have long-term benefits for women’s sports, ensuring steady growth and creating new business opportunities as more young players aspire to reach the professional level. 🔹 Global Reach: Clark’s impact has the potential to expand women’s sports globally. Her success opens doors for partnerships and sponsorships beyond the U.S., helping the WNBA and women’s sports grow on an international scale. Overall, Caitlin Clark’s first season highlights the immense potential of women’s sports to grow as a viable business, unlocking new revenue streams, expanding global reach, and inspiring future generations of athletes and fans. *Data from Joe Pompliano, Boardroom, Fanatics #caitlinclark #WNBA #Sportsbusiness

‼️The (futbol) “Gold Rush” in the US is real‼️ With the 2026 World Cup around the corner, we are witnessing massive investment and growth into the sport from all facets, confirming the wave is here to stay. #MarketingInsights #Forbes #FIFA #InnovativeGroupNews

Seeing the shift in women's soccer firsthand has been incredible. The Women's World Cup shattered records with over 2 billion fans tuning in globally, teams like Barcelona and Arsenal are nearly filling their stadiums to capacity, and the social media buzz and engagement shows the message is clear: the world is ready for more. This enthusiasm, along with the surge in investments exemplified by historic transfer fees for athletes like Racheal Kundananji and Mayra Ramirez's, or the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) media rights leap from 1.5 million to 60 million annually, speaks volumes about the changing landscape of the sport. Now, with the launch of Fort Lauderdale United FC and the United Soccer League (USL) Super League, we're stepping into a new chapter. This move isn't merely about adding more teams to the roster. It's a powerful vote of confidence in women's soccer and its vast, yet-to-be-tapped potential. We're at a turning point, with enthusiasm and investment pouring in at just the right moment to fuel a game-changing uplift in how we support, follow, and love the sport. As a Fort Lauderdale resident myself, I'm eager to follow Fort Lauderdale United FC. I'm excited to contribute to the growth of women's soccer and welcome the opportunity to connect with those who share this vision. Let's drive the future of the sport together! https://lnkd.in/evu5_z4U

Football Fans Rejoice: UFL Expansion is Here The United Football League (UFL) has officially announced its first expansion process, inviting new markets to join its growing roster of spring football teams. This decision marks a significant milestone for the league, which has gained traction following a strong inaugural season. It reflects not only the demand for football outside the traditional fall season but also the UFL’s confidence in its ability to thrive as a year-round player in the sports entertainment industry. The UFL’s debut season showcased its potential, with impressive gains in broadcast viewership and social media engagement. These metrics underscore the league’s appeal to a fan base that is eager for football even during the spring months. Corporate partnerships with major brands like Molson Coors, Under Armour, Gatorade, and Progressive Insurance further validated its commercial viability. The league’s success in engaging fans and sponsors alike set the stage for this expansion effort. The move to expand demonstrates how deeply football resonates with audiences and highlights an untapped opportunity for brands and businesses. The UFL’s plan to evaluate potential markets based on factors such as sports culture, infrastructure, and fan interest indicates a thoughtful and strategic approach to growth. Expansion not only introduces new teams to local communities but also stimulates economic benefits through job creation, tourism, and game-day business activity. Additionally, it deepens fan engagement by fostering local pride and loyalty toward new franchises. The league’s growth is a testament to the enduring appeal of football, even beyond the NFL season. The UFL’s expansion not only validates its vision but also reflects a broader consumer trend of seeking out engaging and meaningful sports content year-round. As the league lays the groundwork for its future, it provides a unique opportunity for brands and advertisers to reach football-starved fans in innovative ways. For communities, businesses, and fans, this is a moment to embrace the expansion of a league poised for continued success. For advertisers, the expansion creates fresh opportunities to connect with football enthusiasts during a time of year traditionally underserved by the sport. With an extended football calendar, brands have more ways to engage with passionate fans, particularly as other major sports taper off in the spring. For companies like Havas Edge, this is an exciting moment to develop campaigns that leverage the energy of a growing league. From facilitating sponsorships to creating targeted content and advertisements, the UFL offers a platform to align with the excitement of spring football. #FootballMarketing #UFLExpansion #SpringFootball #ConsumerEngagement #AdvertisingOpportunities

Great Forbes article delving into the wealthiest sports team owners in the U.S. for 2024. It highlights the undeniable rise of the sports industry as one of the fastest-growing sectors in entertainment and media, further reinforcing what I’ve long believed about its powerful impact and influence.