Ben Johns showcased his skills with a precise dink shot in a match against Anna Bright and Hayden Patriquine during the finals of the Pro Mixed Doubles Division at the 2026 PPA Carvana Mesa Cup, held on February 22, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona.
In the realm of high-net-worth investment, many affluent family offices have recently increased their financial commitments to the sports industry. In May, billionaire Tom Dundon’s family office entered a partnership with Apollo’s new sports fund to invest $225 million in Pickleball Inc., the parent organization of Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour. Dundon is also known for his ownership of the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team and the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.
Additionally, Michael Dell, through an investor group led by Silver Lake’s Egon Durban, acquired a 25% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. Dell has also invested in the San Antonio Spurs and the Austin Gamblers, a professional bull riding team.
Statistics from Fintrx, a private wealth intelligence platform, indicate family offices made 51 direct investments in companies during May, maintaining the same level as April. A Goldman Sachs survey last fall revealed that 25% of family offices have invested in sports or related assets, with another 25% expressing interest. Many investors see this sector as a hedge against inflation.
David Adelman, a notable figure in student housing, has diversified his portfolio into the sports economy. A part-owner of multiple professional sports teams, his firm, Darco Capital, recently co-led a $12 million Series A funding round for PlayerData, a UK startup providing performance-tracking technology. Adelman noted that practical applications of PlayerData’s products, utilized by teams like Crystal Palace, made them particularly appealing.
Why this story matters
- Growing investment in the sports sector indicates its rising importance as a financial asset class.
Key takeaway
- Affluent investors are increasingly diversifying their portfolios by investing in sports and related technologies.
Opposing viewpoint
- Critics may argue that such investments could lead to an over-commercialization of sports, undermining their cultural and community values.
