• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

CVC, HPS to Invest In Authentic Brands at $12.7B Valuation

  • Authentic Brands Group is postponing its IPO to 2023 or 2024.
  • It has agreed to a significant investment from two private equity firms.
Reebok/Design: Alex Brooks

Sports Illustrated owner Authentic Brands Group is postponing an IPO to raise capital from two private equity firms instead.

CVC Capital Partners and HPS Investment Partners are buying significant equity stakes in Authentic Brands at a valuation of $12.7 billion.

Authentic Brands owns apparel and equipment brands like Airwalk, Prince Sports, Tapout, and Volcom, as well as fashion brands including Nine West, Juicy Couture, Brooks Brothers, Aeropostale, and Barneys New York.

It will close its acquisition of Reebok in Q1 2022, bringing its total annual retail sales to $20 billion, according to the companies.

With $125 billion in assets under management, CVC has been aggressive in searching out sports investments.

  • In October, CVC and conglomerate RPSG paid a combined $1.7 billion for two new Indian Premier League teams.
  • In August, it reached an agreement with La Liga on a deal worth over $3 billion that would garner 11% of the league’s media revenue for 50 years.
  • It has also invested $508.5 million in Six Nations Rugby, $300 million in International Volleyball Federation, and $169 million in the United Rugby Championship.

HPS manages $75 billion in assets, focusing on strategies such as direct lending, real estate, energy and power, and small-to-mid-size European businesses.

A BlackRock fund will remain Authentic Brands’ largest shareholder, while existing shareholders, including Shaquille O’Neal, will retain large stakes. It will target an IPO in 2023 or 2024.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid CF forward Kylian Mbappe (9) reacts after a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.

CVC Builds Out Sports Division Amid Crowded PE Market

The firm’s sports portfolio is reportedly worth $13.6 billion.

Featured Today

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
opinion
September 9, 2025

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from NFL’s Week 1 Broadcasts

Many viewers decried the addition of ads to “NFL RedZone.”
Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
September 7, 2025

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
June 24, 2025

Timberwolves’ 4-Year Ownership Saga Ends As A-Rod, Lore Take Over

The unanimous approval brought a clean end to a long-disputed transaction.
Apr 26, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) before game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
June 25, 2025

Rockets Get $20 Million in Wiggle Room From New VanVleet Deal

VanVleet first signed with the Rockets in 2023.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
April 20, 2025

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.