Blackstone, CVC Exit NFL Investment Group, Carlyle and Dynasty Proceed

Blackstone and CVC have left a private equity group set to invest in NFL teams. The group, initially comprised of Dynasty Equity, Carlyle Group, Blackstone, and CVC, was one of four allowed to buy 10% stakes in teams. The two firms couldn't come to terms on a deal and will continue to consider acquiring minority stakes in franchises. The NFL owners approved the sale of a 6.2% stake in the San Francisco 49ers to three investor groups at an $8.5 billion valuation, the highest ever for a sports team.

Private equity investment in sports franchises continues to gain traction, with notable developments in the NFL sector. Mark Cuban's new $750 million private equity fund, Harbinger Sports Partners (HSP), aims to take minority stakes in undervalued sports assets. The fund, led by Cuban, Steve Cannon, and Rashaun Williams, plans to invest between 1% and 5% in 92 franchises, with deal sizes ranging from $50 million to $150 million [1].

The NFL's increasing acceptance of private equity investment has been evident in recent years. In August 2024, NFL owners approved up to a 10% stake by select firms, following a similar move by other major sports leagues. This decision reflects the maturing of the sports sector into an institutional-quality asset class [1].

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers have sold a 6.2% stake in the franchise, setting a record valuation of $8.5 billion. The sale, which will be approved at the owners' meeting next week, involves three Bay Area families: the Khosla family (3.1%), the Deeters (2.1%), and the Griffiths (1%) [3]. This transaction highlights the growing value of NFL franchises, with the 49ers' valuation surpassing previous records.

The sale of minority stakes in NFL teams has become a common practice. The Philadelphia Eagles sold an 8% stake in 2024, and the New York Giants are looking to sell a 10% stake. These transactions reflect the rising value of NFL franchises and the increasing interest from private equity groups [2].

The departure of Blackstone and CVC from a private equity group set to invest in NFL teams underscores the competitive nature of the market. Initially comprised of Dynasty Equity, Carlyle Group, Blackstone, and CVC, the group was one of four allowed to buy 10% stakes in teams. The two firms couldn't come to terms on a deal and will continue to consider acquiring minority stakes in franchises [1].

In conclusion, the NFL's increasing acceptance of private equity investment and the rising valuations of teams like the San Francisco 49ers signal a maturing sports asset market. As private equity groups like Harbinger Sports Partners enter the scene, the landscape of sports ownership continues to evolve.

References:
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/16/mark-cuban-sports-focused-private-equity-fund.html
[2] https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/49ers-reportedly-valued-at-record-85-billion-ahead-of-selling-6-stake-in-franchise-161518953.html
[3] https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/3286554