Happy almost Friday, !

This week, we explore the economics of March Madness as NCAA revenue from the tournament ascended to $1.38B in 2024, continuing its upward post-pandemic trajectory.

Premier League is amongst one of the most watched European football and sports leagues in the world, leading to a massive broadcasting TV rights revenue of $3.94B

Saudi Arabia is spending big on the construction of 15 new stadiums to host the 2034 soccer World Cup. The total budget for the main constructions is estimated at $13.3B and will leave all 15 stadiums with a capacity of at least 45,000 people!

—Sports150 Team

The Premier League’s TV Rights Dominance, And the Gap Keeps Growing

When it comes to broadcasting revenue, the Premier League is in a league of its own. With $3.94B in TV rights, it more than doubles La Liga ($2.03B) and dwarfs the Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. The gap is widening, reinforcing the EPL’s global dominance in media deals, sponsorships, and investor appeal.

The key driver? Massive international demand. The EPL’s global footprint fuels billion-dollar TV contracts, while other leagues struggle with domestic market constraints and revenue-sharing disputes. Meanwhile, Serie A and Ligue 1 face investment uncertainty, with private equity and media firms circling for opportunities.

For investors, the question isn’t whether the Premier League stays on top—but whether any other league can even catch up.

In partnership with Range

Optimize Your Wealth Like You Optimize Deals.

Most people think wealth management is just about investments.

But why do we only focus on the market while ignoring taxes, equity, estate planning, and cash flow?

Your wealth is more than just your portfolio—it’s your entire financial picture. That’s why Range built a modern, all-in-one platform that helps high-earning households manage everything from investments to tax strategy, real estate, and equity compensation—all for a single flat fee.

After years of working with top executives, self-employed professionals, and investors frustrated with piecemeal solutions, Range developed a smarter way to manage wealth. Their innovative model combines fiduciary advisors with a state-of-the-art platform, delivering seamless, personalized financial guidance that actually fits your life.

And even if you already have a financial planner, you’d be surprised how much Range can optimize your strategy. They take care of the complex moving parts, so you can focus on what really matters—growing and protecting your wealth.

Ready for a smarter approach to wealth management? 

Book a complimentary demo today and see how Range helps you unlock the full potential of your money.

CVC’s $1B Tennis Serve

1. Masters 1000 Ambitions

CVC Capital Partners is eyeing the Miami Open and Madrid Open with a $1 billion bid, marking its biggest tennis power play yet. If successful, the deal would expand CVC’s growing sports empire, adding men’s ATP events to its existing WTA stake. The bidding war pits CVC against Endeavor’s Ari Emanuel, with private equity heavyweights like EQT and Providence also circling.

2. The Federer Approach: Aggressive Yet Precise

With investments in Formula One, football, rugby, and cricket, CVC is no stranger to the sports business. But this potential deal isn’t just about trophies—it’s about media rights, sponsorship dollars, and premium hospitality revenue. If CVC aces this acquisition, expect a shake-up in how top-tier tennis tournaments generate cash.

3. Game, Set… Buyout?

Private equity firms love fragmented markets, and professional tennis is ripe for consolidation. With multiple stakeholders and tournament owners, a deep-pocketed investor could streamline operations and maximize commercial potential. Will CVC smash this deal across the finish line, or will Endeavor hold serve? Bidding continues—stay tuned.

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Messi’s Real Estate Hat-Trick

Lionel Messi isn’t just scoring goals—he’s scoring prime real estate. The Inter Miami star recently listed his $232M property empire on Spain’s Portfolio Stock Exchange as a REIT, optimizing for tax benefits rather than raising capital. His holdings include seven hotels, luxury homes, and commercial properties across Spain, Argentina, and the U.S. His MIM Hotels chain, managed by Majestic Hotel Group, just acquired its fifth property, an iconic Andorran hotel, expanding its footprint alongside locations in Ibiza, Mallorca, Sitges, and Baqueira. With LEED-certified sustainability standards and a focus on high-end hospitality, Messi’s low-key but calculated investment strategy is proving just as effective as his playmaking on the pitch.

March Madness: A Billion-Dollar Machine That Keeps Growing

March Madness isn’t just a tournament—it’s an economic juggernaut. NCAA revenue from the event is projected to hit $1.38B in 2024, continuing a steady post-pandemic climb. Since the 2020 cancellation wiped out earnings, revenue has surged back at a 4.26% CAGR, fueled by media rights, sponsorships, and a booming betting market.

For investors, the big question is where the next growth wave comes from. With name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights evolving, will athletes start demanding a share of the pie? And how will streaming and digital platforms reshape revenue streams?

One thing is clear: college sports remain one of the most lucrative—and evolving—markets in sports investing.

In partnership with Range

Optimize Your Wealth Like You Optimize Deals.

Your wealth is more than just your portfolio—it’s your entire financial picture. That’s why Range built a modern, all-in-one platform that helps high-earning households manage everything from investments to tax strategy, real estate, and equity compensation—all for a single flat fee.

Ready for a smarter approach to wealth management? 

Book a complimentary demo today and see how Range helps you unlock the full potential of your money.

Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup: Stadiums & Spending

Saudi Arabia is rolling out 15 stadiums across five cities for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with 11 new builds and 4 major renovations.

🏟 Key Venues:

• King Salman Int’l Stadium (92,000 seats, Riyadh) – Set for the final.

• Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium (45,000, Qiddiya) – Cliffside, LED-covered, retractable pitch.

• Jeddah Central Stadium (45,000) – Part of a $20B urban revamp.

The total stadium budget is estimated at $13.3 billion, with additional costs for TV operations ($378M), workforce management ($274M), and transport ($124M). Saudi Arabia is betting big on sports to fuel its Vision 2030 strategy. Whether it’s football or financial flexing, the Kingdom is all in.

How Fans Watch Sports: The Stay-at-Home Era Dominates

Watching live sports isn’t just about being in the stadium anymore—it’s about the couch. Across 2024’s biggest sporting events, the majority of Americans watched from home, with at least 70% tuning in remotely for the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and NCAA Basketball Final.

The MLS Cup (61%) had the lowest at-home viewership, with 19% of fans attending in person, the highest among all events. Meanwhile, the Super Bowl’s legendary watch parties were reflected in its 15% “at a friend’s house” segment—far higher than other leagues.

For investors and broadcasters, the takeaway is clear: live sports remain appointment viewing, but the battle is shifting to streaming, second-screen engagement, and premium at-home experiences. The question? Who will capture the future of fan engagement?

Love Sports150? Receive the Same Weekly Newsletter For the Private Equity Market!

PE150 delivers proprietary insights, market trends, and actionable tools for Private Equity & M&A professionals—in just one 5 minute weekly email. Subscribe now

eSports: Young Fans Are Locked In, But Growth Stalls Elsewhere

eSports fandom is surging among younger audiences, with interest among 18-29-year-olds hitting a new high of 33% in early 2024. But outside that demographic, enthusiasm remains flat—hovering at just 17-19% for all consumers over the past three years.

The data suggests that while gaming’s grip on Gen Z is undeniable, mainstream adoption remains a slow grind. For brands, leagues, and investors, the playbook is clear: double down on younger audiences while figuring out how to convert skeptics into believers. 

With streaming platforms and gaming franchises thriving, the next big move may be bridging the gap between casual viewers and dedicated fans.

"To be successful, you must accept all challenges that come your way. You can't just accept the ones you like"

Mike Gafka