Reports have emerged the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) are close to finalising a $130 million deal with private equity company, Silver Lake.
The deal, which would provide the US-based company with a 30% stake in the A-Leagues, covering Australia’s top men’s and women’s football competitions, values the leagues at more than $430 million.
According to Sydney Morning Herald, the parties are in advanced stages of negotiations and the deal has been presented to the clubs and the league’s broadcast partner, ViacomCBS, which includes Network 10 and Paramount+.
ViacomCBS recently signed a five-year, $200 million broadcast deal for the domestic rights of the leagues, seeing the A-League broadcast on commercial free-to-air TV for the first time.
As part of the private equity deal, it is reported the funds will be divided between the building of a new digital media platform, promoting the A-Leagues, long-term operating costs and future investments, as well as for clubs to sign more high-quality players.
The deal still requires government regulatory approval, but if completed, would signify the largest-ever cash injection into Australian football leagues.
Silver Lake already owns a 10% stake in City Football Group, who is the parent company for A-Leagues club, Melbourne City.
