Private equity titan CVC Capital Partners is on the brink of securing a major external investment for its colossal $14bn Global Sport Group (GSG). This significant financial move is anticipated to fuel a fresh wave of acquisitions across the sporting world at the start of the new year.
Building a Sports Investment Powerhouse
Global Sport Group was established earlier this year to consolidate and manage CVC's extensive portfolio of sports holdings. Chaired by former EE chief Marc Allera, the group's mandate is to become the pre-eminent sports fund within the private equity sector. Its current assets are impressive, encompassing major stakes in prestigious competitions like Spain's LaLiga, France's Ligue 1, rugby's Six Nations and Premiership Rugby, the United Rugby Championship, and the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).
The imminent injection of external capital, coupled with a planned refinancing of existing debt, is set to bankroll an aggressive expansion phase for GSG. The group is expected to maintain its strategic focus, targeting investments in leagues and governing bodies rather than individual clubs. This approach was highlighted earlier in 2025 when CVC sold its majority stake in the Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Titans, having originally acquired the expansion team in 2021.
Strategic Moves and High-Profile Partnerships
In a move to align with athlete interests, GSG recently announced the formation of an Athlete Advisory Board in partnership with Roc Nation Sports International. This board features sporting luminaries such as footballer David Villa, rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi, and WNBA star Skylar Diggins.
The formation of the Global Sport Group was officially confirmed in September. Subsequent reports in October indicated that firms like Ares Management could be involved in the refinancing process, which is being advised on by both the Raine Group and Goldman Sachs.
CVC's Diversified Sporting Ambition
CVC has systematically built its sports portfolio since its exit from Formula 1 in 2016, moving into rugby, football, and volleyball. The firm also holds a stake in Bruin Capital, which invests in entities like Box-to-Box Films and FairPlay Sports Media. Furthermore, its partner organisation, the WTA, this year secured a landmark decade-long partnership with Mercedes-Benz valued at $500m.
This pending investment deal marks a pivotal moment for CVC's sporting ambitions, positioning its Global Sport Group as a formidable force poised to reshape the ownership landscape of international sports in 2026 and beyond.
