Asia’s richest families and investment firms are increasingly taking ownership stakes in sports businesses rather than simply sponsoring teams or events, reflecting growing confidence in the sector’s long-term investment potential.
The shift has helped drive sports-related mergers and acquisitions across the Asia-Pacific region to record levels. According to LSEG data, deals worth $3.69 billion were announced between January and mid-July 2026, the highest total recorded since records began in 1980 and more than twelve times higher than the same period last year. Globally, sports M&A remained relatively steady at $8.34 billion.
Industry advisers say sports is maturing into a recognised investment asset class across Asia. Instead of pursuing expensive full-team acquisitions, investors are increasingly targeting minority stakes in professional franchises, sports leagues and sports technology companies. This approach offers exposure to the industry’s growth while avoiding the high costs and restrictions associated with buying entire clubs.
The deal pipeline remains active, with opportunities ranging from potential investments in Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket teams to baseball-related businesses in Japan and South Korea.
Asia’s growing appetite for sports investments is being fuelled by the region’s expanding fan base for global competitions such as the NBA, European football and Formula One. Rising audiences have encouraged broadcasters to pay more for premium media rights, strengthening the financial outlook for sports organisations.
Singapore businessman Kiat Lim, who controls Spanish football club Valencia CF, believes increasing viewership is driving higher broadcasting revenues, which ultimately boosts the value of sports teams and leagues.
Cricket has become one of the hottest investment opportunities. The family behind IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants is reportedly considering selling a 5% to 10% stake, valuing the team at between $1.8 billion and $2 billion. Although interest has reportedly come from overseas investors, no decision has been made.
The discussions follow two major IPL transactions completed this year. In March, United Spirits, the Indian subsidiary of Diageo, agreed to sell Royal Challengers Bengaluru at a valuation of approximately $1.8 billion to a consortium that included Bolt Ventures, the family office of billionaire David Blitzer, alongside Blackstone. Two months later, a group led by industrialists Lakshmi Mittal and Adar Poonawalla agreed to acquire a 93% stake in Rajasthan Royals, valuing the franchise at $1.65 billion.
Investment professionals say the market is evolving beyond purchases by wealthy individuals into a more institutional investment opportunity. Sophia Park Mullen, president of alternative asset manager EnTrust Global, said sports investing in Asia is becoming a strategic asset class rather than simply a collection of trophy assets for billionaires.
Banks are also seeing growing demand. Citigroup’s global head of sports advisory investment banking, John Hutcheson, said institutional investors across Asia are increasingly approaching the bank looking for ways to gain exposure to sports assets. He added that many investors view sports as relatively resilient, describing it as an “AI-proof” industry because live sporting events continue to attract audiences regardless of advances in artificial intelligence.
However, experts caution that not every sports investment offers the same level of opportunity. Mark Affolter, co-head of sports, media and entertainment at Ares Management, warned that newer leagues and sports-related businesses can carry significantly higher risks, with winners and losers often less predictable.
Singapore’s state investment company Temasek also sees sports as an emerging investment theme. While the firm has invested in sports merchandise company Fanatics and has indirect exposure through private equity funds, it does not yet view sports as a core part of its investment strategy. Executives nevertheless acknowledge that sports could offer diversification benefits because returns are often less closely tied to broader financial markets.
