Carlyle Group leaps into sports, buying Seattle Reign FC

Marcus Baram
Author Marcus Baram

Marcus Baram is a contributing editor at Crain Currency, where he covers the intersection of finance and politics. Prior to joining Crain Currency, Baram was a staff writer at Fast Company and an editor at Huff Post. He has also written for outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Vice. Baram is an expert on economic policy and has a deep understanding of the ways in which politics shapes the global financial system. In his role at Crain Currency, he brings a unique perspective to the complex and ever-evolving world of finance. With his keen analysis and clear writing, Baram helps readers make sense of the important issues impacting the economy today.

Mar 18, 2024
5 months ago
Seattle_Reign

In its first-ever sports deal, the private equity giant Carlyle Group has teamed up with the Seattle Sounders to buy the Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League for $58 million.

Seller OL Groupe said it sold all 97% of its equity in the team; it remains unclear who owns the remaining 3%.

In another deal making waves in the league, the co-founders of the buyout firm LLCP, Lauren Leichtman and Arthur Levine, have agreed to buy the NWSL's San Diego Wave from Ron Burkle for close to $113 million.

The deals come as the league gains more prominence, with over 100 games to be nationally televised this year.

The Carlyle Group is looking to expand further into sports — it’s reportedly involved in a possible deal for Manchester United, one of the most famous soccer teams in the world — and is in discussions to back Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore’s takeover of the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association.

Marcus Baram
Author Marcus Baram

Marcus Baram is a contributing editor at Crain Currency, where he covers the intersection of finance and politics. Prior to joining Crain Currency, Baram was a staff writer at Fast Company and an editor at Huff Post. He has also written for outlets such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Vice. Baram is an expert on economic policy and has a deep understanding of the ways in which politics shapes the global financial system. In his role at Crain Currency, he brings a unique perspective to the complex and ever-evolving world of finance. With his keen analysis and clear writing, Baram helps readers make sense of the important issues impacting the economy today.