Goldman Sachs’ private equity arm has agreed to acquire a stake in Excel Sports Management, the New York-based sports agency representing some of the world’s most prominent athletes and brands, to support its next phase of international growth.

The partnership will see Goldman Sachs Alternatives provide strategic and financial backing to expand Excel’s global presence across sports, media, and sponsorship, as well as invest in technology and data-driven capabilities.

“Goldman Sachs is an exceptional partner for Excel as we advance into our next stage of growth,” said Jeff Schwartz, Founder and CEO of Excel Sports Management. “Our organizations share a mutual commitment to excellence and integrity, and both define success by the success of our clients.”

Leonard Seevers, Partner at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, described Excel as a key player in the evolving global sports ecosystem. “Excel capitalizes on the combination of deep consumer loyalty to sports franchises, premier brands, and continued innovation in fan engagement,” he said.

Excel represents a roster of elite talent across major sports, including NBA and MLB All-Stars, PGA Tour champions, and leading athletes in the NFL and Formula 1. Its properties division also partners with major sports leagues and organisations such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, and Formula 1.

Shamrock Capital, which held a minority stake in Excel since 2020, will exit the business as part of the transaction.

Goldman Sachs’ Alternatives division, which manages more than $500bn globally, has been expanding its sports investment portfolio, including stadium financings and advisory roles across global leagues.

Founded in 2002, Excel Sports Management employs more than 300 professionals across offices in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, London, and the Middle East. The company has won Sports Business Journal’s Best in Talent Representation award three times and is consistently ranked among the world’s most valuable sports agencies by Forbes.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.

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