Family Offices’ Growing Interest in Sports Investments
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 07: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with fans and teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Lumen Field on September 07, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A Shift in Investment Strategy
In a notable trend, ultra-wealthy families and their investment firms are steering their attention towards sports, despite investing in fewer startups. A new survey by Goldman Sachs reveals that 25% of family offices have ventured into sports or related assets, such as ticketing and arenas, while an additional quarter are keen on joining this lucrative market.
High-Profile Purchases in Professional Sports
Recent high-stakes transactions highlight this trend. Julia Koch, the widow of billionaire David Koch, recently came to an agreement to acquire a minority stake in the NFL’s New York Giants. Additionally, Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter secured a majority stake in the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, valuing the franchise at $10 billion. Furthermore, a collaboration of Bay Area families, including venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, purchased a 6% stake in the San Francisco 49ers.
Gender Disparity in Sports Investment
While there is a growing buzz around women’s leagues and emerging sports like pickleball, family offices have yet to make significant investments in these areas. According to the Goldman Sachs survey, only 19% of family offices expressed interest in established women’s leagues, contrasting sharply with the 71% showing interest in major men’s leagues. A mere 16% have engaged with women’s emerging leagues or men’s minor leagues.
Emerging WNBA Franchises
Despite the lack of interest in women’s leagues overall, there are instances of high-profile investors entering the WNBA. A group of billionaires secured three new franchises in June, primarily focused on potential future equity growth rather than immediate cash flow returns.
Long-Term Views on Team Ownership
Meena Flynn from Goldman Sachs emphasized that family offices, which typically invest with a long-term horizon, can afford to be patient in their sports investments. These families see ownership as not only a financial opportunity but also a way to connect with their passions while generating long-lasting value.
Sports as an Inflation Hedge
Family offices are increasingly viewing sports investments as a hedge against inflation, attracted by the multiple revenue streams such as streaming rights and ticket sales. This diversification offers a promising avenue for financial growth amidst economic uncertainty.
Expanding Sports Empires
Prominent sports franchise owners, like David Blitzer, are capitalizing on this trend by broadening their investment portfolios. Blitzer has become the first individual to hold equity in all five major U.S. men’s sports leagues. His family office, Bolt Ventures, has invested in various ventures, including Fantasy Life, a sports betting media company, and Padel Haus, a club operator focusing on racket sports.
In summary, the growing interest of family offices in sports investments reflects broader trends in wealth management. With strategic acquisitions and long-term visions, these stakeholders are reshaping the financial landscape of the sports industry.
