• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 19, 2025

Ares Could Back John Textor’s Bid for Lyon

  • John Textor is reportedly having trouble securing financing for Olympique Lyonnais.
  • Ares Management recently announced it raised $3.7 billion in capital to invest in sports, media, and entertainment companies.
Lyon
Olympique Lyonnais

John Textor is reportedly having trouble securing financing to acquire Ligue 1’s Olympique Lyonnais — but that could change soon.

Ares Management is reportedly in talks to back Textor’s bid for Lyon owner OL Groupe SA

Textor, who is also an owner of Crystal Palace, previously agreed to buy around 66% of the club by purchasing shares from film production company Pathé, investment firm IDG Capital, and Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas’ holding company Holnest

The deal would reportedly value the team at $842 million.

Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley was planning to lend Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings $522 million for the club, but outlets are reporting he may be scaling back his funding.

  • Foley’s Cannae Holdings signed a letter of intent in June to provide a credit facility for the Lyon transaction, which could have been converted into equity.
  • Foley is reportedly interested in Premier League club AFC Bournemouth.

In its last two fiscal years, OL has reported a combined $144 million loss and has a net debt of $291 million.

Should Textor’s purchase of Lyon go through, his soccer holdings would total around $1 billion.

Ares’ Portfolio

Ares Management recently announced it raised $3.7 billion in capital to invest in sports, media, and entertainment companies. It has already committed roughly $1 billion to 19 sports businesses around the world, including Atletico Madrid and Inter Miami CF.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Crystal Palace FC

Crystal Palace’s Europa League Spot in Limbo After Lyon Wins Appeal

The ruling on Olympique Lyonnais was overturned this week on appeal.
Jun 19, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Botafogo owner John Textor reacts after a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain at Rose Bowl Stadium.

John Textor Sues Investors After They Sue Him Over Failed $1B Soccer..

John Textor says he was duped, investors say he owes them millions.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang celebrates during a team celebration lap after the playoff semifinal match against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field.

Michele Kang to Lead Lyon As UEFA Delays Multi-Club Ownership Ruling

Lyon’s Europa League fate remains unclear as Michele Kang replaces John Textor.

Featured Today

Ryan Field Construction
exclusive

First Look Inside Northwestern’s $862 Million New Ryan Field

Five big things FOS learned on our exclusive stadium tour.
Jul 21, 2024; Ayrshire, SCT; Xander Schauffele celebrates with Claret Jug after winning the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon.
July 17, 2025

The Boozy History and Traditions of The Open’s Claret Jug

The Open awards the world’s most famous wine decanter.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen
July 16, 2025

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team Loses Another Legal Battle

23XI Racing has lost its Cup Series charter status for the time being.
WNBA
July 15, 2025

Portland WNBA Team Will Be Fire, Bigger Choices Loom

The WNBA’s 15th franchise is bringing back the Fire.
Jul 2, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Jake Mangum (28) leaps for a ball over the wall against the Oakland Athletics in the second inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
July 16, 2025

Rays Will Play Potential Playoff Games at Spring Training Stadium

Tropicana Field is undergoing hurricane renovations.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
exclusive
July 14, 2025

Celtics, Lakers Sales Not on Agenda for NBA Board of Governors Vote

The Board of Governors will meet Tuesday.
Alex Rodriguez
July 11, 2025

Finally in Charge, A-Rod Says Timberwolves Need New Arena

Rodriguez and Lore would like to repair team relations with Kevin Garnett.
Alex Sarr
July 9, 2025

Wizards Pushing Limits of Youth With 11 Players on Rookie Deals

Washington’s 2025 first-round pick is top-eight protected.
July 9, 2025

From Dynasty to Disarray: Red Bull Fires Christian Horner

He served as Red Bull team principal for more than two decades.