Sportel Monaco 2025 to Tackle Billion-Dollar Question: Where Will Sport’s Next Wave of Investment Come From?
MONACO – October 20, 2024 – The future of sports investment will be under the microscope at Sportel Monaco 2025, with a dedicated panel session on Monday, October 20th, from 11:35 AM to 12:20 PM, focusing on the sources and strategies driving the next billion dollars into the industry. the session will specifically address the growing influence of private equity and sovereign wealth funds in the sports landscape.
Moderated by Imran Yusuf, Executive Editor of SportBusiness, the panel boasts a high-profile lineup including Danny Townsend, CEO of SURJ Sports Investment; Djamal Agaoua, CEO of Kings League; and John Martin, CEO of the Professional Fighters League.
The discussion will delve into key areas such as evaluating investment opportunities, exit strategies, and the unique challenges of investing in sport compared to other sectors. specific questions will be posed regarding team and franchise valuations, the merits of investing in leagues versus intellectual property, target growth territories, the evolving media rights market, and the return on investment for emerging sports properties.
Ahead of the event, Danny Townsend of SURJ Sports Investment highlighted Saudi Arabia’s long-term commitment to sport, stating, “saudi Arabia’s long-term investment in sport is rooted in a clear belief in its global potential, both as a unifying force and a thriving industry. At SURJ,we’re focused on backing scalable,future-facing properties that align with this vision.”
djamal Agaoua of Kings League emphasized the shifting dynamics of fan engagement, noting, “Sports investors now face a new reality: audience habits and behaviours have changed profoundly, with lasting consequences for how the business of sport works. That brings new risks-but also new opportunities. Innovative, digitally native properties like Kings League are built precisely for this new era, connecting with the next generation of fans in the way they consume and experience sport today.”
The panel is also expected to address potential pitfalls and adverse consequences associated with certain sports investments, offering a comprehensive overview of the current investment climate and future outlook for the industry.
