Know What Is Next
Want to learn more about the most talked about topics and trends in the sports business industry from the sports business executives who run it?
Join Next League’s CEO David Nugent, a sports technology industry veteran and thought leader with over 20 years experience in the ever-changing technology services business. Tune in every week for insightful and engaging discussions on everything from artificial intelligence and fan engagement to the changing media landscape and the growth of women’s sports with the sports industry’s leading executives.
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Know What Is Next
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 engines
- Why fragmented markets + parent spend + tech platforms (ops + fintech) = hundreds of millions in investment momentum
- The 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 it
Resources 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.
Next League is partnering with Sports Business Journal for the Rising Woman of the Year Award. Nominations are now open! Learn more here.