Apex joins San Francisco TGL golf team ownership group

Investment vehicle Apex has officially become part of the star-studded ownership group of the San Francisco-based franchise competing in TMRW Sports’ innovative TGL golf league.

This development comes as Apex seeks to capitalise on diverse fan bases across various sports to amplify the unique product offered by TGL, thereby expanding its reach and popularity among both traditional golf enthusiasts and those less familiar with the sport.

Apex’s foray into the ownership realm is not merely financial – it involves bringing four prominent athlete investors into the fold. Formula One driver Alex Albon, Manchester City defender John Stones, and Olympic surfers Leonardo Fioravanti and Kanoa Igarashi are set to join as co-owners of the golf team. The involvement of these athletes is expected to elevate the team’s profile and drive commercial value through their existing audiences.

The San Francisco ownership consortium already featured Golden State Warriors duo Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, as well as retired ex-teammate Andre Iguodala.

John Stones is the latest footballer to invest in golf. He is part of an APEX consortium investing in the San Francisco Golf Team, who will compete in TGL, the new golf league developed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Stones will also appear in Pro-Am events.⛳️ pic.twitter.com/fVT94yFbgx

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 11, 2024

“Our investment is not a passive one,” stated Antonio Cacorino, Founder and CEO of Apex.

“Our aim is to leverage diverse fan bases across various sports to amplify TGL’s unique product and increase its reach and popularity among both golf and non-golf fans.

”We want to see TGL contribute to the overall growth of golf, attracting new audiences and retaining traditional fans with its tech-infused approach.”

Apex’s entry into the ownership group aligns with the broader landscape of TGL, where tech-focused innovations are reshaping the traditional golfing experience.

The ownership consortium, now fortified by Apex, stands as a powerful force within the San Francisco-based team. Together with Marc Lasry’s Avenue Sports Fund, Apex forms TGL’s fifth ownership group, joining the ranks of other distinguished team owners, such as Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Steve Cohen, and 2014 US Women’s Open golf champion Michelle Wie West.

Apex unveiled a €50 million (US$54.8 million) athlete-driven fund last September. Backed by influential figures like Formula 1 driver Lando Norris and Manchester United’s Raphael Varane, the fund reflects Apex’s commitment to athlete-driven initiatives. The investment vehicle has also ventured into motorsports, joining the Alpine Formula 1 team and bringing onboard athlete investors like boxer Anthony Joshua and Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Apex is poised to actively promote the San Francisco franchise and the league throughout the year. This approach precedes TGL’s inaugural season, set to commence in January 2025. The inclusion of Apex and its influential athlete investors signifies a robust commitment to shaping the future of tech-driven golf entertainment and fostering a dynamic synergy between sports and technology.