• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Capitals, Wizards Owner Predicts More Sovereign Wealth Funds In Sports

  • The Capitals and Wizards have investment from the Qatar Investment Authroity.
  • Owner Ted Leonsis says more teams will soon take money from the Middle East.
Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this year, the Washington Capitals and Wizards became the first teams from the top four U.S. sports leagues to accept investment from a sovereign wealth fund by way of the Qatar Investment Authority’s $200 million purchase of a 5% stake in parent company Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

Now, the teams’ owner is predicting it won’t be the only one of its kind. 

“I believe other teams and other leagues will all be embracing pension funds, college endowments, university endowments, and sovereign wealth funds as investors, as a part of the tapestry of their investment base,” Monumental CEO Ted Leonsis told the Washington Post.

Since news of the transaction in June, no other team investments from sovereign wealth funds have been announced, but NBA commissioner Adam Silver has made it clear that the league is open to similar transactions. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted that the league will be forced to discuss investment from sovereign wealth funds at some point, but said team owners haven’t done so yet.

Leonsis views the QIA more as investors than a traditional limited partner, which he says “expects to get their money back and return in a five-to-seven-year period. A sovereign wealth fund invests directly — they have no time horizon. They want to invest and keep it over a long, long period of time.”

In MLS, NYCFC is owned by City Football Group, which is majority-controlled by an Abu Dhabi Royal Family member. And of course, looming larger by the day is Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which is already making waves in the U.S. through its backing of LIV Golf. The PIF-controlled SRJ Sports Investments also has a stake in the U.S.-based Professional Fighters League.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 20, 2011; Calgary, AB, Canada; Canadian hockey fans wave a flag and display a banner before the Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames at McMahon Stadium. The Flames beat the Canadiens 4-0

Where Does Hockey Go After the Hockey Canada Verdict?

After the sexual assault trial, hockey is split over the path forward.

Belichick Bump Creating Record UNC Ticket Prices

The cost of seeing the NFL legend’s college coaching debut is soaring.

Ex-NBPA Chief on WNBA CBA Challenges, NBA Stake in League

Tamika Tremaglio was a consultant for the 2020 WNBA CBA.

Mikal Bridges Takes $6M Discount to Help Knicks Avoid Second Apron

Bridges agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension Thursday.

Featured Today

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.

Bengals Extend Stadium Lease After $350M in Public Funds for Renovation

The Bengals will stay in the 25-year-old stadium through at least 2036.
July 31, 2025

Ferrari Extends F1 Boss Weeks After Red Bull Fire Horner

Fred Vasseur joined Ferrari in 2023.
August 1, 2025

Commanders Seal Stadium Deal As D.C. Approves $1.1B in Funding

The NFL team’s return to its prior home receives key political support.
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
July 30, 2025

Mayor Calls Commanders RFK Stadium Deal ‘a BFD’ for D.C.’s Future

The NFL team makes a series of additional commitments.
July 30, 2025

Trey Hendrickson Ends $450K Holdout Without New Bengals Deal

The defensive end is seeking a raise on his $16 million 2025 salary.
July 29, 2025

Wrexham’s Ambition Replaces Fan Favorites With Pricey Additions

Wrexham has already added six new players.
July 29, 2025

Mario Lemieux Trying to Reacquire Penguins 4 Years After Selling

The former NHL great looks to return to team ownership.