Arctos, the Dallas-based private investment firm known for its growing presence in global sports, has announced the launch of Arctos Capital Markets (ACM) — a new business line designed to directly connect qualified high-net-worth investors with professional sports ownership opportunities.
This move further cements Arctos’ role as a market leader in sports franchise investment. The firm is already the largest institutional owner of sports equity in North America, with stakes in more than 25 franchises across all five major U.S. professional leagues — the only private investment firm with league-wide approval.
Unlocking Direct Ownership Pathways
The new platform, Arctos Capital Markets, leverages the firm’s proprietary investor network, data science platform, and industry relationships to create a more efficient pipeline between individual investors and franchise ownership.
For investors, ACM provides:
- Access to minority or control ownership stakes in major sports franchises
- Streamlined pathways into sports equity through Arctos’ established credibility with leagues and teams
- Support from Arctos’ operating platform and insights teams, giving individual investors access to resources normally reserved for institutional players
Doc O’Connor, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of Arctos, explained the vision:
“If you are an individual investor seeking direct sports franchise ownership exposure, Arctos Capital Markets offers an efficient path to ownership supported by our scale and reputation as a strategic partner.”
Early Results and High-Profile Deals
Since 2024, Arctos has quietly invested in building the ACM team and platform, with early results already showing impact. ACM recently facilitated the sale of a controlling interest in the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning to a new ownership group.
Beyond that landmark transaction, ACM has worked with syndicate investors to participate in both primary and secondary capital raises, as well as supporting full ownership transitions. These moves highlight ACM’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional sports franchise owners and a rising class of ultra-high-net-worth individuals eager to enter the sports market.
Strategic Expansion of Arctos’ Platform
The launch of ACM builds upon the firm’s broader infrastructure, which includes Arctos Insights (a data-driven research division) and the Arctos Operating Platform (a support system for portfolio franchises).
Forrest Richmond, Director at Arctos, noted:
“Arctos Capital Markets is a natural extension of our mission to be the premier partner to professional sports franchise owners globally. This improves our ability to serve ownership groups, raise capital, and deliver tailored solutions while remaining an aligned equity owner.”
Why This Matters: The Investment Landscape in Sports
The timing of ACM’s launch reflects broader shifts in the sports investment landscape:
- Franchise valuations are at historic highs — with NBA, NFL, and Premier League clubs commanding multibillion-dollar valuations.
- Liquidity challenges are rising — long-term owners often need structured exit strategies, making minority and syndicate sales more common.
- High-net-worth individuals are seeking alternatives — sports franchises, once the exclusive domain of billionaires and family dynasties, are now viewed as institutional-quality assets with global cultural relevance.
Arctos is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend, acting as both a capital partner for teams and a gateway for investors seeking exposure to the fastest-growing asset class in global entertainment.
Final Word
With Arctos Capital Markets, the firm is not just expanding its business lines — it’s reshaping the way individuals access ownership in elite sports. By bridging professional leagues with high-net-worth investors, ACM could accelerate the democratization of franchise ownership, while reinforcing Arctos’ standing as the go-to partner for sports capital solutions.
As valuations climb and investment appetite grows, ACM may prove to be a defining innovation in the business of sport.
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