Italian soccer league Serie A gained its fifth North American owner last week when Iowa-based Krause Group acquired a 90% stake in Parma Calcio 1913. The deal reportedly values the team at more than $100 million.
Serie A could also get more American involvement as two private equity groups are vying for a stake in a new company that will handle the league’s broadcast rights. Last week, clubs from the league voted to create the entity and review bids from Boston-based Bain Capital and CVC Capital Partners for a 10% stake in the company — valued at up to $1.9 billion.
The new company is meant to help boost its revenue, especially outside of Italy. Broadcast deals account for approximately half the league’s revenue. Broadcast rights for Serie A brought in $1.6 billion last season.
American Ownership In Top-Level European Soccer Leagues:
English Premier League: 6 teams
Italian Serie A: 5
French Ligue 1: 2
German Bundesliga: 0
Spanish LaLiga: 0
