Apex, a private investment firm specialized in the sports sector, has officially launched a new fund designed to acquire minority stakes in smaller sports teams and leagues across Europe. This initiative is focused on targets valued between €50 million and €500 million, as reported by Bloomberg. The establishment of this fund highlights the increasing desirability of sports assets, particularly as valuations for high-profile professional teams continue to rise.
The firm’s previous fund garnered significant attention, involving over 100 athlete-investors including notable figures such as Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. Additionally, it has supported various high-profile assets, including the BWT Alpine F1 Team, Venezia FC, and the indoor golf league TGL, backed by golf legend Tiger Woods.
The strategic rationale behind this new fund is clear: as traditional sports assets become more expensive, Apex aims to capitalize on the growing market for undervalued sports teams and leagues that may offer higher returns in the long run. This approach aligns with a broader trend in private equity and venture capital, which has seen significant investment flows into sports services—reaching $6 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, the highest level recorded in at least eight years.
In terms of timeline, the fund is expected to begin making acquisitions shortly, as the firm identifies promising opportunities within the specified valuation range. As Apex engages with potential targets, it will likely begin discussions with teams and leagues, aiming to secure favorable terms for minority stakes.
Market implications of this move could be substantial. Shareholders of targeted teams may see increased interest in their assets, potentially leading to valuations that reflect the competitive landscape for sports investments. Employees within these organizations may also experience changes as new strategic directions are implemented under Apex’s influence. Additionally, this fund could stimulate further investment interest in the sports sector, encouraging other investors to explore similar opportunities.
From a regulatory perspective, while minority stakes typically face fewer hurdles than majority acquisitions, Apex will still need to navigate any necessary approvals depending on the jurisdictions of the teams involved. Given the competitive nature of the sports investment landscape, timely execution of these acquisitions will be critical to capture the best opportunities available.