Global alternative asset manager Ares Management is preparing to launch a bespoke sports fund specifically for European investors. According to reports on February 20, 2026, the fund will target both debt and equity investments across sports leagues, teams, and the broader media and entertainment ecosystem.
This move mirrors Ares’ successful strategy in the U.S., where the firm is currently raising a second institutional sports fund that reached a first close of $1.4 billion last August—surpassing 70% of its total target.
Strategic Drivers for Investment
Ares’ shift toward a European-focused fund is driven by several structural changes in the sports industry:
- Predictable Revenue: The centralization of media rights at the league level has created longer-dated and more reliable income streams.
- Content Demand: A rising global appetite for live, unscripted content continues to drive valuations higher.
- Capital Gap: Ares notes the sector remains “significantly undercapitalized,” creating a high demand for flexible capital solutions to fund infrastructure and global expansion.
Portfolio and Performance
Ares Management, which oversees approximately $623 billion in assets, has become one of the most active private equity players in sports:
- Current Stakes: The firm holds minority positions in Chelsea FC (Premier League), Inter Miami (MLS), and the Miami Dolphins (NFL).
- Major Exits: In 2025, Ares capitalized on the motorsport boom by selling its stake in McLaren Racing at a valuation exceeding £3 billion ($4.04 billion).
- Institutional Success: Its first dedicated sports fund, closed in 2022, raised $3.7 billion, signaling deep institutional interest in the asset class.