Aprio Legal's Jason Pritchett Appointed as Grass League's General Counsel and Acting Commissioner

The Grass League, a High Stakes Par3 Golf league, has appointed Jason Pritchett, Practice Leader of Transaction Advisory Services at Aprio Legal, as its first General Counsel and Acting Commissioner. Pritchett brings experience in legal, business, community leadership, and sports industry insight to support the league's growth and governance. The league plans to establish dominance in the par-3 golf space, expand franchise ownership, and capitalize on shifts in sports media.

Apollo Global Management, a prominent asset management firm, has announced plans to launch a $5 billion sports investment vehicle. This move positions the New York-based company at the forefront of a transformative period for sports investing, as it seeks to capitalize on the growing interest and regulatory shifts in the sector [1].

The new investment vehicle, to be led by newly hired employees, will focus on lending to sports leagues and teams, as well as acquiring stakes in clubs. This strategic expansion comes as Apollo, which manages over $800 billion in assets, aims to diversify its investment portfolio [1].

Apollo's entry into sports investing is not entirely new. In July 2024, the firm held talks with the lead shareholder of Atletico Madrid about a potential investment, demonstrating its existing interest in high-profile sports properties. Additionally, football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann and co-founder Joshua Harris, part-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, are on the Apollo board of directors [1].

The sports investment landscape is booming. Major U.S. sports leagues are increasingly allowing private equity funds to acquire minority stakes in teams, including ownership across multiple teams and leagues. The NFL, for instance, voted in August 2024 to allow private equity funds to buy stakes in teams, setting precedents for the types of deals Apollo might pursue [1].

Apollo's strategic positioning is bolstered by its diversified investment approach. The firm recently announced the acquisition of a 49% equity interest in a joint venture related to Intel Ireland's Fab 34 for €10.1 billion ($11 billion) and the acquisition of Barnes Group in January 2025 [1].

The sports investment market is expected to experience increasing divergence in 2025, with capital flowing disproportionately toward premium, established properties and high-growth, emerging sports. This creates opportunities across the spectrum of sports investments [1].

In a related development, The Grass League, a high-stakes par-3 golf league, has appointed Jason Pritchett as its first General Counsel and Acting Commissioner. Pritchett brings extensive experience in legal, business, community leadership, and sports industry insight, supporting the league's growth and governance [2].

Apollo's entry into dedicated sports investing reflects broader industry trends toward viewing sports properties as legitimate alternative investments. As private equity firms and high-net-worth individuals continue to underscore the sector's enduring appeal, Apollo's strategic bet on the sports industry is likely to yield significant returns [1].

References:
[1] https://serrarigroup.com/apollo-global-management-plans-strategic-entry-into-sports-with-5-billion-investment-vehicle/
[2] [Provided Source for The Grass League]