Sports investment firm APEX, led by founder Antonio Cacorino, has launched a major fundraising effort to secure 300 million euros, equivalent to about $350 million. This move, announced on December 10, 2025, aims to buy minority stakes in European teams, leagues, and related assets, focusing on undervalued opportunities that bigger players often ignore.
Fund Details and Strategy
APEX plans to use the new high-growth private equity fund to target deals between $15 million and $50 million each. The firm expects to close 10 to 20 investments over the next decade, with a strong emphasis on Europe.
This strategy builds on APEX’s track record, including stakes in Formula 1 team Alpine and Italian soccer club Venezia FC. Cacorino believes smaller assets offer high returns due to their growth potential and less competition from large funds.
The fund will seek 20% to 49% ownership in targets valued from $60 million to $600 million. This approach allows APEX to add value through governance and expertise, something Cacorino regrets not having more of in past deals.
Europe’s sports market has seen rising interest, with private equity inflows hitting record levels in 2025. For instance, deals in soccer and motorsports have surged by 25% year-over-year, according to industry reports.
Backing from Athletes and Big Names
More than 100 world-class athletes support APEX, giving it a unique edge in accessing exclusive opportunities. Recent additions include backing from Red Bull Ventures, announced in September 2025.
This athlete-led model has helped APEX build a strong brand quickly. Cacorino, a 34-year-old CEO based in Portugal, started the firm to blend sports passion with smart investing.
The firm’s venture capital arm, managing around $60 million, focuses on sports tech. Now, shifting to private equity, APEX aims to scale up and deliver better returns.
Key backers include stars from soccer, Formula 1, and other sports, who provide insights and networks. This setup has led to deals like the Venezia investment in 2024, where APEX joined a group to buy a minority stake.
Opportunities in European Sports
Europe’s sports scene offers untapped potential, especially in smaller leagues and teams. While U.S. sports attract massive investments, European assets often fly under the radar due to lower valuations and commercialization challenges.
APEX targets this gap, focusing on soccer clubs, motorsport teams, and media rights. For example, the firm sees value in mid-tier teams that can grow through better management and global exposure.
Recent trends show private equity giants like CVC Capital Partners making big moves in European sports, such as deals in La Liga and MotoGP. However, APEX focuses on smaller scales for outsized gains.
Challenges include regulatory hurdles and fan resistance to ownership changes, but Cacorino argues these can be navigated with strategic partnerships.
Here’s a quick look at potential investment areas:
- Soccer clubs in Serie A or lower divisions
- Motorsport entities beyond Formula 1
- Emerging leagues in basketball or rugby
- Media and entertainment rights tied to sports
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The global sports investment market reached $200 billion in 2025, driven by streaming deals and fan engagement tech. Europe accounts for about 30% of this, with growth expected at 8% annually through 2030.
APEX’s fund aligns with this boom, as more firms eye sports for stable returns amid economic uncertainty. Related events include the 2025 UEFA expansions and increased private funding in women’s sports.
Cacorino predicts the fund could deploy even more than targeted, thanks to a robust pipeline. He calls it a “beautiful sweet spot” for generating value.
To compare recent sports funds:
| Fund Name | Amount Raised | Focus Area | Launch Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| APEX High-Growth | $350M | European assets | 2025 |
| CVC Sports Fund | $2B | Global leagues | 2024 |
| RedBird Capital | $1.5B | U.S. and Europe teams | 2023 |
This table highlights APEX’s niche approach versus larger players.
Analysts note that athlete backing could boost deal flow, as seen in similar funds like those from NBA stars.
Risks and Considerations
No investment is without risks. European sports face issues like revenue fluctuations from match results and economic downturns.
APEX mitigates this by diversifying across assets and using data-driven decisions. The firm’s experience in sports tech helps identify winners.
Investors should watch for regulatory changes, such as EU rules on foreign ownership, which could impact deals.
Despite these, optimism runs high. Cacorino’s vision positions APEX as a key player in reshaping European sports finance.
What do you think about APEX’s strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow sports fans for more discussion.
