Sports teams have transformed from trophy assets into major investment targets for private equity firms. According to PitchBook data, global private equity deals in professional sports grew from 13 deals worth $1.9 billion in 2014 to 71 deals worth $18.45 billion by the end of 2025. Notable transactions include Ares Management’s minority stake in the Miami Dolphins at an $8 billion valuation in 2024 and the Los Angeles Lakers valued at $10 billion in 2025, compared to $360 million in 2000. Since 2014, the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB have outperformed the S&P 500 in total returns. Major North American sports leagues progressively opened to institutional investors, with the MLB first in 2019, followed by the NBA and NHL in 2021, and the NFL in 2024.
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