FINANCE & LAW PORTAL
Rapid rise of multi-club ownership posing challenges for football, report reveals
The number of football clubs that are part of multi-club ownership groups has increased fivefold over the last eight years, posing serious challenges for the sport’s governing bodies, a new report by S…
Global value of sports media rights nears $56bn, SportBusiness report reveals
The global value of sports media rights has increased to a record high of almost $56bn (€51.1bn/£44.7bn), SportBusiness’ Global Media Report 2023 reveals.
Matchroom fighting for £1bn valuation as investors circle
Matchroom's Eddie Hearn talks exclusively to SportBusiness about private equity interest, the death of PPV boxing and the rise of influencers.
Eagle Football lands $40m investment from Portuguese fund
Eagle Football Holdings (EFH), the multi-club ownership group led by American entrepreneur John Textor, has announced $40m (€38.4m)
Premier League clubs approve APT rule changes
Premier League clubs have today (Friday) approved changes to the league’s Associated Party Transaction (APT) rules, representing a blow for Manchester City in its long-running legal battle against the league.
Morel steps down as LFP Media boss
Ben Morel, the former Six Nations Rugby and NBA executive, is to step down next year as chief executive of LFP Media, the commercial rights entity of France’s Professional Football League.
Leicester shirt deal remains despite BC.Game ‘bankruptcy’
Leicester City is thought to be confident that its shirt sponsorship with BC.Game remains fully operational despite companies behind the online gaming platform being declared bankrupt by a Curaçao court.
Sports Matters Academy | Legal Matters
Two leading professionals explain the work of sports lawyers, in the penultimate session from educational content series Sports Matters Academy
Webinar | Athlete entrepreneurship: Forging new opportunities off the field while still on it
In a replay of an April 14 webinar, we explore the implications of fast-increasing activity by professional athletes in outside business ventures while still actively competing in their respective sports.
Japan Rugby League One takes club game into new era with ‘hybrid’ commercial model
Hajime Shoji, the COO of Japan's domestic rugby union league, explains how the competition has been extensively remodelled to capitalise on a surge of interest in rugby in Japan following the country's hosting of the 2019 World Cup.
Valencia secures €186m Nou Mestalla refinancing
LaLiga club Valencia CF has undertaken a refinancing totalling €186m ($196.5m) to enable it to complete the construction of its long-awaited Nou Mestalla stadium.
WBD armed with digital content in NBA settlement
Warner Bros. Discovery has settled its lawsuit against the National Basketball Association, bringing an end to the legal saga spurred by the league’s new domestic broadcast deals.
Textor plans in spotlight after OL relegation threat
Olympique Lyonnais, the Ligue 1 club owned by John Textor, has been threatened with relegation and placed under a transfer ban after French football’s financial regulator expressed concerns over financial mismanagement.
Disney streaming profits partly offset linear decline
Walt Disney’s streaming business continues to be profitable, partially offsetting a sharp fall in its linear networks' operating income in its fourth-quarter results.
FC Porto moves to tackle debt with €115m bond issue
The Primeira Liga club claims the involvement of “large American investors” demonstrates that its “credibility has been recognised” amid ongoing financial recovery efforts.
Diamond to exit bankruptcy with less debt, more streaming rights
Diamond Sports Group has received approval to emerge from bankruptcy, with 27 major league sports franchises in its portfolio and a significantly downsized debt position.
FEI broadcast revenue down in time-buy shift
Broadcast revenues at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) are budgeted to drop by 8 per cent in 2025 in a continued shift to digital content and time-buys to maximise sponsorship income.
World Rowing navigating choppy waters in bid to diversify revenues
How partnerships on and off the water are helping World Rowing to democratise the sport, attract new audiences and lessen the governing body’s reliance on Olympic revenues.
Sport does not know the origin of its private equity money, SportBusiness report suggests
Sports rights-holders often have little to no idea about the origin of the money they are accepting from private equity funds, a new 90-page SportBusiness report has found.
SportBusiness at Sportel Rendez-Vous Miami: Private equity investing in sport
SportBusiness invites you to a Masterclass at Sportel Rendez-Vous Miami on Tuesday, May 9, at 9.50am local time
Malaysian Football League hits reset, aims for return to ‘glory days’
Recent changes in Malaysian club football include league restructure and major new commercial deals