January 25, 2023

CFG and MSG Sports invest in Sapphire Sports’ US$181m venture fund

Sapphire Sport, an early stage investment platform for sports, technology, media and entertainment companies, has raised a second US$181 venture capital (VC) fund involving City Football Group (CFG), Madison Square Garden (MSG) Sports and Sinclair.

Confirmed:

New funding brings total assets under management (AUM) valuation to US$300 million
Adidas, Bank of Montreal, as well as Indiana Pacers and Tampa Bay Lightning owners returned as investors
Fund includes new investment from David Blitzer and Acrtos Sports Partners

Context:

Silicon Valley-based Sapphire Ventures launched Sapphire Sport as a US$115 million fund in 2019, naming CFG as the venture capital fund’s lead investor. This is the firm’s second fund.

Comment:

“When we launched Sapphire Sport in 2019, we believed that the sport, media and entertainment industries would be better served by an institutional investment approach to the sector, one that brought the experience and partnership of preeminent sport and entertainment stakeholders to venture capital,” said Michael Spirito and Doug Higgins, co-founders of Sapphire Sport.

“We believe we have built Sapphire Sport into a leading partner for early-stage companies at the intersection of technology and these large markets.”

Coming next:

After backing 15 companies with its first fund, Sapphire Sport will use the new capital to invest in around 20 companies across the sectors of sports, technology, media and entertainment. Specifically the fund will target early stage tech companies, looking to capitalise on the next generation of consumer behaviour. This could mean investments in fan engagement-focused sports and sports-adjacent companies.

tradersville.net is not an investment advisor and is not registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Further, owners, employees, agents or representatives of tradersville.net are not acting as investment advisors and might not be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or the Financial Industry Regulatory.

The sender of this email makes no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended in this email, and makes no representations or warranties concerning said company or entity’s compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, regulations promulgated by the SEC or the CFTC. The sender of this email may receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of any products or services offered by a company or entity mentioned or recommended in this email. The recipient of this email assumes responsibility for conducting its own due diligence on the aforementioned company or entity and assumes full responsibility, and releases the sender from liability, for any purchase or order made from any company or entity mentioned or recommended in this email.

The content on any of tradersville.net websites, products or communication is for educational purposes only. Nothing in its products, services, or communications shall be construed as a solicitation and/or recommendation to buy or sell a security. Trading stocks, options and other securities involves risk. The risk of loss in trading securities can be substantial. The risk involved with trading stocks, options and other securities is not suitable for all investors. Prior to buying or selling an option, an investor must evaluate his/her own personal financial situation and consider all relevant risk factors. See: Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

The information presented in this site is not intended to be used as the sole basis of any investment decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the investment needs of any particular investor. Nothing in our research constitutes legal, accounting or tax advice or individually tailored investment advice. Our research is prepared for general circulation and has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive or obtain access to it. Our research is based on sources that we believe to be reliable. However, we do not make any representation or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy of our research, the completeness, or correctness or make any guarantee or other promise as to any results that may be obtained from using our research. To the maximum extent permitted by law, neither we, any of our affiliates, nor any other person, shall have any liability whatsoever to any person for any loss or expense, whether direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or otherwise, arising from or relating in any way to any use of or reliance on our research or the information contained therein. Some discussions contain forward looking statements which are based on current expectations and differences can be expected. All of our research, including the estimates, opinions and information contained therein, reflects our judgment as of the publication or other dissemination date of the research and is subject to change without notice. Further, we expressly disclaim any responsibility to update such research. Investing involves substantial risk. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results, and a loss of original capital may occur. No one receiving or accessing our research should make any investment decision without first consulting his or her own personal financial advisor and conducting his or her own research and due diligence, including carefully reviewing any applicable prospectuses, press releases, reports and other public filings of the issuer of any securities being considered. None of the information presented should be construed as an offer to sell or buy any particular security. As always, use your best judgment when investing.

Disclaimer: Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. This product is for educational purposes only. Practical application of the products herein are at your own risk and tradersville.net, its partners, representatives and employees assume no responsibility or liability for any use or mis-use of the product. Please contact your financial advisor for specific financial advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Any trades shown are hypothetical example and do not represent actual trades. Actual results may differ. Nothing here in constitutes a recommendation respecting the particular security illustrated.