Serie A international media rights attract private equity interest

Private equity firms are preparing to submit binding offers to acquire a minority stake in a new company designed to manage the international media rights for Italy’s Serie A. The entity is expected to handle international television rights, commercial activities, and sponsorships outside of Italy.

Major financial players in the race include Oaktree, the owner of Inter Milan, as well as Carlyle, Bain Capital, and the Italian asset management firm Nextalia. Investors are looking to acquire a stake between 10% and 20% in the vehicle, which has an estimated total valuation of between 3 billion and 4 billion euros. The business is projected to generate approximately 250 million euros in annual revenue and 200 million euros in operating income.

Binding offers are due by Friday, September 4, with JPMorgan serving as the consultant for Serie A. For the sale to proceed, approval from 14 of the 20 clubs in the league is required. The move aims to increase the league's global visibility and revenue to better compete with other major European leagues, such as the English Premier League.