Private equity firm Arctos Partners has acquired a minority stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), while the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) state-backed fund has increased its shareholding in the US sports team ownership group.
Arctos becomes the newest minority investor in the company, further bolstering its growing sports investment portfolio.
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The group is the only investment firm approved to own equity across all five major North American professional sports leagues and claims to be the largest owner of North American sports equity globally, with over 25 portfolio franchises.
Arctos’ stake in MSE covers the ownership group’s entire portfolio of teams, including the NBA’s Washington Wizards, NHL’s Washington Capitals, and WNBA’s Washington Mystics, as well as the Capital One Arena and Monumental Sports Network.
MSE operates the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C., and is leading an $800 million transformation of the venue and the adjacent downtown sports and entertainment district as part of a public-private partnership with the city.
Ted Leonsis, founder, chairman, managing partner, and CEO of MSE, said: “We’ve made a long-term commitment to Washington, D.C. focused on building a true sports ecosystem that will create value and enable us to make continued strategic investments in our teams and a world-class fan experience. We are excited to welcome Arctos as a partner that shares our vision for the future.
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By GlobalData“As one of the most highly valued sports media enterprises in the world, we look forward to working with Arctos to drive additional value for our teams, our fans, and our community for decades to come.”
Doc O’Connor, co-founder and managing partner at Arctos, added: “Monumental Sports & Entertainment is one of the most forward-thinking and innovative ownership groups in global sports.
“We’re proud to partner with Ted and the MSE team as they continue to elevate the fan experience, invest in the community, and build long-term value across a world-class platform.”
Arctos has stakes in several NBA basketball franchises, including the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz, as well as Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros.
Last December, it acquired a 10% stake in the Buffalo Bills NFL franchise.
The firm is among several funds selected and approved for NFL equity investment, alongside notable firms such as Ares Management, Sixth Street, Blackstone, Carlyle, CVC, Dynasty Equity, and Ludis.
Arctos also snapped up a 12.5% stake in French soccer giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
It was reported earlier this month that rival private equity firm KKR is in talks to acquire a majority stake in Arctos.
Meanwhile, QIA, an investor in MSE since 2023, has increased its equity stake in the business as the sovereign wealth fund enhances its sports investments.
Last year, QIA purchased a 30% stake in the Audi Formula 1 team that will enter the prestigious motor racing series in 2026.
Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi, CEO of QIA said: “Since QIA first invested in MSE in 2023, the company has continued to create tremendous value for both fans and investors. We are delighted to further our partnership with the company as it welcomes Arctos –demonstrating the continued potential in the commercialization of professional sports.
“QIA’s continued commitment to MSE is an example of our focus on long-term, high-growth investments, and our growing portfolio of sports and entertainment investments with likeminded partners.”
