Sport Republic acquires stake in Southampton FC

Avatar

English Premier League club Southampton has confirmed that Sport Republic – backed by billionaire Serbian businessman Dragan Solak – have acquired a large stake in the club.

They have purchased the stakes that were previously owned by Chinese businessman Gao Jisheng, and will work in collaboration with Katharina Liebherr – daughter of Swiss businessman Markus Liebherr – who owns the remaining stake in the club.

Sport Republic are a London-based investment firm for the sports and entertainment industry. They were founded by Henrik Kraft and Rasmus Ankersen and headed by Dragan Solak. Their portfolio includes Tonsser – a football player app that empowers youth players to progress and unlock their potential.

Southampton CEO Martin Semmens:

“Over the last two years, together with the shareholders of our club, we have searched for the right partner to take the club forward. Today we have found the perfect solution,” he said.

“Sport Republic are experienced investors, but also experienced within the world of elite professional sports. That combination is very hard to find, and we are thrilled to have reached an agreement that secures our short and long-term future.

“We are grateful for the support of Mr Gao and Katharina that allowed us to take our time, turn away the wrong options and ultimately find the right partner for the future of this great club, its fans, staff and the people of Southampton.

Sport Republic Lead Investor Dragan Solak:

“My partners and I have experience in long-term investments in the sports and entertainment industry and Sport Republic has been founded to combine this expertise and deliver something unique to the market,” he said.

“Southampton has so many of the qualities we have been looking for in a major sports organisation. It has a great management team, excellent talent development, talented teams playing attractive football and a dedicated fan base. We are delighted to be able to complete this acquisition.”

Sport Republic Chairman Henrik Kraft:

“We will be an active and engaged owner, but we will not be starting any revolutions. We were attracted to Southampton because it is already a well-run club that follows a clearly defined strategy,” he said.

“Whilst Southampton is Sport Republic’s first acquisition, we expect more investments to follow over the coming years. Our ambition is to build a portfolio of high-influence stakes in football clubs and other sporting assets across the world.

“At the same time, we will also invest in early-stage sports technology companies and use our portfolio to accelerate the development of these companies. The acquisition of Southampton is a great first step and we are very excited about the journey ahead.”

Silverware manufacturer for Football Queensland reaffirms commitment

Avatar
Image of Battle of the States trophies via Football Queensland

Football Queensland (FQ) has solidified its partnership with The Trophy Superstore, becoming its Official Trophies and Medal partner for two years.

The Australian company, with its headquarters located in Brisbane, will continue to provide FQ competitions, tournaments and major award events with silverware and medallions.

The superstore will ensure that their services are executed in a quality, timely, individualised and articulate fashion for the Queensland Football Community.

The partnership between both FQ and the silverware provider has occurred for several years. The Trophy Superstore offers the creation of trophies, medals, achievement plaques and engraving services to several different sporting codes across Australia.

“Football Queensland is proud to partner with Queensland owned companies like Trophy Superstore who are committed to producing top quality products with the upmost care,” Football Queensland CEO Robert Cavallucci said via press release.  

“This partnership comes from a long-established and very positive working relationship developed with Trophy Superstore in recent years which has seen the company produce trophies and medals for our most prestigious awards including our FQ league titles, Football in Queensland Awards Night recipients and most recently the winners of the 2024 National Futsal Championships held on the Gold Coast. 

“We are looking forward to building on our existing relationship with Trophy Superstore as we recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Queensland football community. 

“Football Queensland is committed to maintaining and developing these vital commercial partnerships as they help to support the growth of the game and improve the football experience for our entire community.” 

Managing Director Ian Stuart is excited to deliver high-quality trophies, medals and awards to the Queensland football community to help recognise all those who contribute to the game.  

“Our relationship with Football Queensland spans many years and we are delighted to formalise a partnership which will continue to recognise the importance of Football, its members and supporters, at all levels within the community,” he added via media release.

“The Trophy Superstore is ready to assist the FQ community in recognising their clubs, members and communities for the 2024 season and beyond, by offering special FQ Club pricing on awards and medals.” 

With the consideration regarding the importance surrounding the visual appeal and quality of a trophy in the eyes of both its holders and fans alike, the partnership already established has pleased FQ officials. It’s important that a player feels satisfied when receiving a trophy, they are not exactly applauded for their quality, but are definitely exposed if they are not something deemed worthy by players and fans alike.

City Football Group showcase mixed Annual Report despite success

Avatar
Manchester City Etihad Stadium
Image credit: Thomas McAtee via Shutterstock

City Football Group (CFG) have recently recorded losses of £112 million ($215 million AUD) for the 2022/23 financial year despite generating a record-breaking revenue of £877.1 million ($1.68 billion AUD)

It has been confirmed that the multi-club ownership – in which of most notably of Australia’s own Melbourne City, Japanese outfit Yokohama F. Marinos, MLS staple New York City, and LALIGA’s Girona FC have risen considerably.

In comparison to the year prior and recording up until June 30, 2023, have the group’s revenue climbed by £172 Million ($331.25 million AUD) matchday revenue figures of £100.8 million ($194.8 million AUD) with commercial activities generating mass figures of £417.4 million ($803.85 million AUD). Broadcast income totals were tallied at £453.8 million ($873.95 million AUD), while City’s profit hit £80.3 million ($154.65 million AUD) a rise from the year prior in which was recorded at £41.7 million ($80.31 million AUD) – during their maiden treble-winning season. 

So, the question begs. How are CFG bleeding losses? It must be acknowledged that CFG have introduced clubs within multiple countries across the globe throughout the last few years that have slowly shifted the group of its financial focus. Italian outfit Palermo, Brazilian side Esporte Clube Bahia, and Indian Super League Mumbai City combined cost CFG a grand total of £77 million ($148.29 million AUD) The group has established quite the immense portfolio, with now 12 clubs underneath the city umbrella. The powerhouse which is the mantle piece of the group continues to account for the majority of the revenue accumulated by the contingent. 

Their Manchester club both on and off the pitch have continued to make ground-breaking, trailblazing manoeuvres. Their recent target of generating revenue of £712.8 million ($1.3 billion) set a new premier league record. In comparison to other clubs within the umbrella, New York City FC and Girona FC reported an annual turnover of almost £50 million ($96.29 AUD), less than 15% of Manchester City’s total revenue generated. 

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend