Private equity titan Avenue Capital Group revealed Monday that it has locked in more than $1 billion in capital commitments for its Avenue Sports Fund, a financial juggernaut set to shape the future of global sports. The New York-based firm, helmed by Marc Lasry, former co-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, launched the sports-focused vehicle in November 2023.
Since then, the fund has already placed significant bets across multiple sports leagues and franchises throughout North America, Avenue confirmed in its announcement.
A Moment of Opportunity
Lasry described the timing as nothing short of electric:
“This is a dynamic moment in sports, and we are grateful for the strong support of our investors and partners. With a powerhouse investment team and an extraordinary roster of athlete advisors, the Avenue Sports Fund is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these opportunities,” he said.
The fund is designed to funnel debt and equity capital into sports teams, leagues, and “sports-adjacent businesses”—from established leagues to startups and even emerging women’s sports ventures.
A Portfolio of Power Plays
So far, Avenue’s investment strategy reads like a highlight reel. Among its acquisitions:
- The Bay Golf Club in TGL, the new league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
- Trackhouse Entertainment Group, owner of a NASCAR Cup Series team.
- MLB’s Baltimore Orioles, a storied franchise with a passionate fan base.
- CityPickle, an urban lifestyle brand bringing the fast-rising sport of pickleball to city dwellers.
Lasry noted the diversity of investments reflects the fund’s broad ambition:
“We are thrilled by the range of opportunities we’ve embraced and look forward to expanding into sports-related media, entertainment rights, real estate, and other adjacent businesses. Women’s sports and global expansion will be key frontiers for rapid growth.”
A Global Giant in Finance
Behind the fund is a firm with formidable heft. Avenue Capital Group manages more than $10 billion in assets and has carved out a reputation for expertise in specialty lending, opportunistic credit, and special situation investments. Its global footprint spans Dublin, London, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, New Delhi, Singapore, Sydney, Abu Dhabi, and Silicon Valley.
