Marc Lasry, the former co-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, is reportedly nearing a major acquisition within the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), with sources indicating he is close to purchasing the North Carolina Courage. The sale is expected to value the Courage at approximately $108 million, marking one of the highest valuations ever for a women’s professional sports team in the U.S. This transaction highlights the growing prominence of women’s sports and the increasing investment interest in the NWSL.
Marc Lasry, a billionaire hedge fund manager, was a co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks before selling his stake earlier this year. Under his co-ownership, the Bucks achieved significant success, winning the NBA Championship in 2021. Lasry’s business acumen and experience in sports ownership are seen as a major asset to any sports organization he becomes involved with. After exiting his Bucks ownership position for approximately $3.5 billion, Lasry has set his sights on expanding into the realm of women’s soccer—a sector that is experiencing rapid growth in the U.S.
Lasry’s business interests extend beyond sports. He is the co-founder of Avenue Capital Group, a multibillion-dollar investment firm that focuses on distressed companies and private equity. His diverse background in finance and sports management suggests he will bring a blend of strategic oversight and capital to the Courage.
The North Carolina Courage, founded in 2017, have been one of the NWSL’s most successful franchises. Based in Cary, North Carolina, the team has won two NWSL championships (2018 and 2019), solidifying their reputation as a dominant force in women’s soccer. Their roster has included U.S. national team players like Crystal Dunn, Lynn Williams, and Abby Dahlkemper, further boosting their visibility and credibility on the global soccer stage.
Lasry’s interest in the Courage likely stems from both the team’s on-field success and the growth potential in women’s soccer. The NWSL has seen a surge in viewership, sponsorships, and fan engagement in recent years, buoyed by increased media coverage and growing awareness around gender equity in sports. For investors like Lasry, the timing is ideal as the league prepares to expand and capitalize on the global momentum of women’s soccer following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The reported $108 million valuation of the North Carolina Courage sets a new benchmark for women’s sports franchises. Just a few years ago, such a figure would have been unthinkable for a women’s soccer team. The NWSL, which began in 2013 with more modest franchise valuations, has since grown into a league capable of drawing substantial investment from high-profile figures in sports, entertainment, and business.
This valuation signifies not just the team’s current worth but its future potential. Media rights deals for the NWSL have become more lucrative, and there is growing interest from both national and international brands seeking to sponsor teams. The expansion of the league to more cities and the rise of star players have created an ecosystem ripe for financial growth.
Moreover, the Courage’s brand value is expected to increase under Lasry’s ownership. He has a proven track record of turning the Bucks into one of the NBA’s premier franchises, building out their brand globally and increasing revenue through smart marketing and operational decisions. If similar strategies are applied to the Courage, the team could benefit from greater media exposure, ticket sales, and sponsorships.
Marc Lasry’s foray into the NWSL is part of a broader trend of prominent investors looking to women’s sports as the next big opportunity in the sports industry. With more attention being given to gender equality, women’s sports leagues like the NWSL are being recognized for their financial viability and cultural significance.
Other major investors, such as Serena Williams, Natalie Portman, and Alexis Ohanian, have also invested in NWSL teams, further elevating the league’s profile. Lasry’s entry into the fold further solidifies the perception that the NWSL is a league on the rise, capable of attracting top-tier financial backing.
Lasry’s acquisition is likely to result in immediate and long-term benefits for both the Courage and the broader NWSL. With increased financial resources, the Courage could enhance their infrastructure, from training facilities to stadium improvements, while also investing in talent development and player acquisition. Lasry’s experience in turning the Bucks into an NBA powerhouse could provide a blueprint for the Courage to elevate their operations and global brand.
For the NWSL, this deal could further legitimize the league as a major player in global sports. With more high-profile owners, the league will have a stronger platform to negotiate media rights, sponsorships, and partnerships, ensuring its continued growth.
While the purchase has yet to be officially confirmed, the deal is reportedly in its final stages. Once completed, Lasry will join a growing list of influential figures involved in the ownership of women’s sports teams, further expanding his already impressive sports portfolio.
In the long term, this acquisition could pave the way for further investment in the NWSL, setting the stage for a bright future for women’s soccer in the U.S. and internationally.
Lasry’s involvement is expected to not only boost the Courage’s visibility but also to set a precedent for future NWSL transactions, encouraging more high-profile investors to get involved in the sport. If this sale goes through, it could be a pivotal moment for both the Courage and the broader landscape of women’s sports.
This acquisition reflects the shifting dynamics in professional sports, where women’s leagues are gaining recognition as valuable, standalone enterprises. The Courage, under Lasry’s leadership, are poised to benefit from his expertise, bringing long-term stability and further cementing their status as one of the premier teams in women’s soccer.
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