The landscape of professional sports is constantly evolving, and with it comes new opportunities for athletes to invest in their future. One such opportunity is the Avenue Sports Fund, a recently launched investment vehicle that aims to provide athletes with access to a diverse portfolio of sports-related assets. Founded by Marc Lasry, the chairman and CEO of Avenue Capital Group, the Avenue Sports Fund is targeting athletes who are looking to diversify their portfolios and take a more active role in the future of sports. The fund's investment strategy focuses on three key areas:
1) Emerging sports and leagues: This includes sports like SailGP, a global sailing league featuring high-speed foiling catamarans, as well as esports, which is experiencing rapid growth in popularity.
2) Media and technology: The fund is also investing in companies that are developing new technologies and platforms that are transforming the way we consume sports content.
3) Traditional sports franchises: While the fund's primary focus is on emerging areas, it also has investments in established sports franchises, such as the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA.
One of the athletes who has already taken advantage of the Avenue Sports Fund is Dallas Turner, a star linebacker for the University of Alabama. Turner used his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings to invest in the U.S. SailGP Team, a move that signals a growing trend of athletes becoming more involved in the business side of sports. Turner is not the only athlete who is participating in the Avenue Sports Fund. Other notable investors include: DeAndre Hopkins (NFL star), Malik Jackson (NFL star), Roquan Smith (NFL star), Kayvon Thibodeaux (NFL star), and Deontay Wilder (World Heavyweight Boxing Champion)
The launch of this fund marks a significant shift in the way athletes are approaching their careers. Athletes are no longer just on the field or court; they are now becoming savvy investors and entrepreneurs. The Avenue Sports Fund is providing them with the resources and guidance they need to succeed in this new era of sports. The Avenue Sports Fund has the potential to revolutionize the way even young college athletes approach their careers. By providing them with access to capital and expertise, the fund can help athletes build their wealth and create a more secure future for themselves and their families.
(Author's note: Next SailGP event in New York is Jun 22-23rd, 2024, don't miss out, your ticket reservations can be made here)
