Show Notes
Sports teams are becoming one of the hottest assets in global investment.
The LA Lakers have been valued at an extraordinary US$12.5 billion. Private equity giant EQT has agreed to become the majority shareholder in Melbourne Storm. And all 17 existing NRL clubs have reportedly proposed helping to build and own the competition’s 20th team before potentially selling it.
So why does everyone suddenly want to own a sports team?
Murray Barnett returns to Moneyball to explain why investors increasingly see sports franchises as an asset class of their own — and why the NRL could be particularly attractive.
Scott and Murray unpack the economics behind Melbourne Storm’s reported valuation, the importance of long-term media rights, and why membership of a closed competition like the NRL, NBA or NFL can be more valuable than the club itself.
They also examine whether soaring sports valuations are creating a bubble, why the scarcity of franchises could keep pushing prices higher, and what happens when the commercial interests of investors collide with what supporters want their clubs to be.
And with the NRL’s existing clubs considering whether to help create Team 20 themselves, could expansion now be about creating valuable new sporting assets as much as growing the game?
About the guest Murray Barnett is the founder of 26West Sport, advising sports organisations, investors, broadcasters and brands across media rights, sponsorship and commercial strategy.
He has held senior roles at ESPN, Formula One, World Rugby and DAZN and has worked across some of the biggest commercial properties in global sport.
About Moneyball Moneyball – The Business of Sport explores the intersection of sport, money, media and culture.
Hosted by Scott Keenan, the show goes behind the headlines to explain the commercial decisions shaping modern sport.
📩 Questions, guest suggestions or commercial enquiries: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @moneyball_show ▶️ YouTube: @moneyball_show
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