• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Ares Pours More Than $1B Into Sports Investments

  • Ares Management has moved aggressively into sports investing, as more leagues and franchises seek out private equity funding.
  • The firm has put over $1 billion into sports-related investments in the last six months.
Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Sports are opening the door to private equity, and Ares Management is walking in.

The Los Angeles-based investment firm with $227 billion in assets under management has invested more than $1 billion into sports teams, leagues, and media in the last six months. That sum doesn’t include Ares’ co-founder and chairman Tony Ressler’s principal ownership of the Atlanta Hawks.

This week, Atletico Madrid raised $216.9 million from Ares, which now holds a 34% stake in the LaLiga champions. That money will go in part to developing the area around the club’s stadium – a recent trend among major sports teams.

Ares was part of a consortium led by MSP Sports Capital that acquired a 15% stake in McLaren Racing as part of a $255.4 million investment. The financiers valued McLaren at $773.1 million. The stake could rise to 33% by the end of 2022.

Ares has lent an undisclosed amount to:

  • The San Diego Padres
  • The Ottawa Senators
  • Rugby Australia
  • The Professional Fighters League

The firm also provided a $100 million credit line to help Rawlings fund its acquisition of Easton Diamond Sports and acquired a minority stake in Meadowlark Media.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Can the NBA Cup Help Revive Lagging Viewership?

0:00

Featured Today

Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
October 31, 2024

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Donald Trump holding a basketball in the White House
October 30, 2024

Mavericks Owner’s $100 Million Trump Donation Dwarfs All Other Sports Owner Political Giving

Dr. Miriam Adelson is one of the most powerful donors in U.S. politics.
Oct 19, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) shakes hands while entering the locker room after a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
October 28, 2024

NIL Director Is the Trendy New Job in College Sports. But the Role Is Chaos

Athletic departments nationwide are hiring for what’s become their most important position.
Oct 27, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field.

Buffalo Bills in Talks to Sell Stake to PE Firm Arctos: Report

Arctos already has a slice of Paris Saint-Germain and the PGA Tour, among other assets.
May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
October 9, 2024

Why Mark Cuban Sold the Dallas Mavericks When He Did

Cuban sold his majority stake to the Adelson family in December 2023.
Jul 7, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik hoists the Stanley Cup after the Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 in game five to win the 2021 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena.
October 25, 2024

Lightning Sell at $1.8B Valuation, Nearly Double Prior NHL Record

The Lightning unveiled a multistep and multiyear sale process.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Young fans look over Michigan State sports equipment on display during the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
October 2, 2024

Private Equity Firms Buy Rival Hockey Brands CCM and Bauer

Both brands have been around for decades and changed ownership in the same week.
September 18, 2024

Rogers Tightens Grip on Canadian Sports With $3.46B MLSE Stake

The Blue Jays owner makes a big move to corner most of the Toronto pro sports market.
Fans watch TV screens during a game viewing party for fans at the FanDuel Sportsbook at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
September 18, 2024

FanDuel Parent Buys Italian Gambling Company in Bid for Growth

Flutter is making big moves in Italy and Brazil.
September 12, 2024

Team USA’s Uniform Maker Is Shooting for a Long-Term Win

This week’s uniforms are honoring the Armed Forces.