The Athlete-Owner Era — It’s Just the Beginning
by Kyle Israel, Partner at Magnolia Hill Partners
When I look at today’s sports landscape, I see something bigger than games, scores, or trophies. I see a transformation underway — one where athletes are no longer just performers on the field, but builders, investors, and cultural architects off it.
The shift has been long overdue. For decades, athletes were often left on the outside looking in when it came to long-term ownership and equity. Sure, a few made it into boardrooms, but those were exceptions — not the rule. Now, that tide is turning.
Look at the moves being made by Patrick Mahomes, Breanna Stewart, Serena Williams, and many more. These athletes aren’t just building wealth — they’re building legacy. They’re investing in clubs, launching ventures, and helping reshape the very DNA of sports ownership.
What’s exciting — and personal for me — is how this movement is expanding access. Organizations like Limited Ventures are guiding athletes toward smarter, more values-aligned investments. The returns aren’t just financial; they’re cultural. They’re about influence. They’re about reshaping what success looks like in this industry.
This isn’t just happening stateside either. When Tom Brady invests in Birmingham City or LeBron James takes a stake in Liverpool, they’re signaling a new kind of globalization in sports investment. They’re bridging fanbases, cultures, and business models.
The growth in women’s sports is even more inspiring. Angel City FC’s $250 million valuation didn’t come out of thin air — it came from intentional investment, much of it from women who played the game and understand its value. Serena Williams said it best: women’s sports are an incredible investment opportunity — not just morally, but financially.
Real ownership demands more than a name on paper. It takes vision, expertise, and advisors who get both the game and the game plan. It takes collective action to break down the barriers that still keep too many talented, diverse voices out of the boardroom.
Still, the momentum is real — and it’s only accelerating.
We’re entering an era where the most impactful sports legacies won’t just be built with highlight reels, but with smart investments, inclusive ownership, and a commitment to the communities that fuel the game.
