Alessio Santosuosso, Giulia Carnevale
May 5, 2025
Key people and transactions shaping the Sports industry
Welcome to our May 6, 2025 edition of the TOP 5 Sports Business News, according to CUBOPRO - your premier source for the latest developments in the sports industry. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of sports business, we are committed to providing you with short while insightful analysis of the most impactful events shaping our sector.
Here are the TOP 5 news of the past week according to us:
1. Chelsea Signs DAMAC as Shirt Sponsor and Launches Dubai Real Estate Project
Chelsea FC has secured Dubai-based DAMAC Properties as its front-of-shirt sponsor for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, with the logo debuting during the UEFA Conference League semi-finals.
The deal, which could see up to three different shirt sponsors in as many months, also includes a landmark real estate collaboration: Chelsea Residences by DAMAC, a $1.3 billion beachfront development in Dubai’s Maritime City featuring over 1,400 units.
This marks the first Chelsea-branded residential project and represents a new revenue stream for the club as it continues to seek a long-term shirt sponsor.
2. Rory McIlroy and TPG Launch Dedicated Sports Investment Fund
Fresh off his 2025 Masters victory and career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy has teamed up with private equity giant TPG to launch TPG Sports, a new sports investment platform.
The fund will take a private equity approach to sports, providing strategic capital and business-building expertise to sports IP and operating businesses.
McIlroy’s existing firm, Symphony Ventures, will help source opportunities, aiming to capitalize on the global growth in sports viewership and fandom.
3. EA Sports to Stream Live MLS Matches in EA FC Mobile
For the first time in EA Sports history, players of EA SPORTS FC Mobile will be able to stream four live MLS matches from the 2025 regular season directly within the game, thanks to a partnership with MLS and Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass.
The service debuts May 10 with LA Galaxy vs. NY Red Bulls and continues May 17 with Atlanta United vs. Philadelphia Union, with two more matches scheduled for September. Players will also receive a free one-month MLS Season Pass trial.
This move marks a milestone in integrating live sports content into gaming, further blurring the lines between interactive entertainment and live sports broadcasting.
4. Spotify and EA Sports Pilot In-Game Audio Experience for FC 25
Spotify and EA Sports have launched a new in-game audio experience for EA Sports FC 25, currently piloting in Australia and Saudi Arabia.
Spotify Premium users on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC can now stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly within the game, customizing their soundtrack while playing.
This integration, building on last year’s official FC 25 soundtrack partnership, is designed to deepen player engagement and personalization, with potential expansion to more markets in the future.
5. FC Barcelona Relocates U.S. Commercial Operations from New York to Miami
FC Barcelona has announced it will move its American commercial headquarters from New York City to downtown Miami, cementing Miami’s status as a soccer business hub.
Supported by a business incentive grant from the Miami Downtown Development Authority, the new office will focus on managing Barça’s assets in the Americas, attracting new investors, and expanding the club’s brand in the region.
The club’s U.S. presence includes multiple academies and over 8,000 youth players participating in more than 50 camps across 35 cities in 2024.
These developments represent significant shifts in the sports business ecosystem, each with the potential to create new opportunities and challenges. We encourage our clients to consider the strategic implications of these trends on their portfolios and long-term business strategies.
As always, our team stands ready to provide in-depth analysis and tailored advice to help you navigate these exciting changes in the sports business landscape.
If you have questions or would like to discuss about this issue of the newsletter, please feel free to reach out at connect@cubopro.com.
We thank you for reading today.
If you want to stay updated on the key people and transactions shaping the Sports industry, sign up for free below!
Best,
Team CUBOPRO