Global investment firm Silver Lake Partners has acquired a 33.3% stake in the Australian Professional Leagues for roughly $100 million, valuing the business at $303 million.
The deal, which has received regulatory approval, marks the largest ever single-cash injection into Australian club soccer.
The A-Leagues — which oversee Australia’s top-flight men’s and women’s soccer clubs — will use the funds to support growth and build a fan-centric digital media platform.
Previous Sports Investments
Silver Lake has $90 billion in assets under management and committed capital, and its portfolio of brands collectively generate more than $227 billion in annual revenue.
The investment firm has established a notable footprint in sports.
- It purchased a 10% stake in Manchester City owner City Football Group for $500 million in 2019.
- The firm participated in a $325 million investment round for Fanatics in August, valuing the merchandiser at $18 billion.
- In September, it bought a stake in Pro Football Focus for $50 million, giving the analytics platform a nine-figure valuation.
Silver Lake has expressed interest in buying a stake in the commercial operations of New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team.
