Where Is the Money Going in Sports? Private Equity, Youth, and Emerging Leagues

How is technology reshaping where the money flows in sports? Private equity and institutional investors are rewriting the playbook, and Greg Bedrosian, Managing Partner and CEO at Drake Star, joins Dave to break down what that shift means for operations, innovation, and long-term value creation. Today’s most sophisticated investors are building value beyond media rights by strengthening data strategy, rethinking fan monetization, and turning venues into year-round revenue engines. As the market evolves, new opportunities are emerging across categories like youth sports, where technology, payments, and facility innovation are driving a surge of interest.The conversation also explores the rise of sovereign capital with long-term horizons to the evolving expectations around tech diligence and organizational maturity. Greg’s perspective offers a rare, dealmaker’s view into where the smart money is going and what’s next for the business of sports.In this episode, you’ll hear:How PE owners are modernizing data systems, improving fan payment experiences, and turning venues into year-round revenue enginesWhy fragmented markets + parent spend + tech platforms (ops + fintech) = hundreds of millions in investment momentumThe different risk/reward profiles of net-new sports (pickleball, snowboard) vs. new formats leveraging existing star power How sovereign wealth funds’ evergreen horizons change the math on stadiums, timelines, and emerging leagues.Why tech and organizational maturity (not just financials) now make or break sports deals, and how buyers are testing itResources and Links:Connect with Greg Bedrosian on LinkedIn and learn more about Drake Star on their website.Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.Dave’s book is available now! Get your copy of The Business of Sports Technology: How To Make Smart Decisions That Drive Your Organization Forward.