Business · Singapore Bureau
Major PE firms eye stake in Serie A's international media rights unit
Global private equity heavyweights including Carlyle and Bain Capital are preparing bids for a minority stake in the company controlling Serie A's international broadcast rights, marking another push by Italy's top football league to attract outside capital.
LSN Singapore ·
MILAN — Private equity firms Carlyle Group, Bain Capital and Oaktree Capital Management are among investors gearing up to bid for a minority stake in the entity holding international media rights for Serie A, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
The move represents the latest effort by Italy's premier football division to bring in external investors and unlock value from its valuable broadcasting portfolio. The international media rights represent a significant revenue stream for the league, which has increasingly sought partnerships with financial investors to fund infrastructure and competitive improvements.
The sale process is being facilitated as Serie A seeks to strengthen its financial position amid competitive pressures from other European leagues. Sources indicated that multiple bidders are expected to participate in the formal bidding process, with valuations reflecting the global appeal of Italian football content.
Serie A has pursued various investment strategies in recent years to modernise its operations and increase revenues. The involvement of established private equity players suggests strong market interest in the league's media assets, which generate substantial returns through broadcasting agreements across multiple territories.
Further details regarding the timeline and specific terms of the transaction were not immediately available. The development underscores growing appetite among institutional investors for sports media assets in Europe.