Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital has invested a whopping $200m in ALK Capital's football operations, acquiring a stake in the holding company that owns Premier League team Burnley FC and La Liga club RCD Espanyol. This strategic move brings together two seasoned sports investors, Alan Pace of ALK Capital and David Checketts of Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital.
The deal marks a reunion for Pace and Checketts nearly 20 years after their successful partnership at Real Salt Lake, where they led the Major League Soccer (MLS) club to its first championship.
Checketts Sports Capital released statement:
“Alan and I have known each other for decades – as partners, colleagues, and friends. We built Real Salt Lake from the ground up, and now we can collaborate again on two of Europe’s most historic clubs,”
First investment for new fund
This partnership also signifies the debut investment for Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital Fund I. This newly launched private equity vehicle is targeting $1.2bn for sports-related investments across professional teams, leagues, media outlets as well as technology.
The transaction not only strengthens ALK’s position as a leading multi-club operator across Europe but also extends Checkett's role at Burnley FC where he has served on the board since ALK’s acquisition in 2020.
The new partnership will focus on driving sustainable growth through commercial expansion while improving performance across both clubs.
U.S private capitals' growing influence in European football
The deal is a testament to the growing influence of U.S. private capital in European football. Approximately half of the Premier League’s 20 clubs are now owned by U.S. investors, including recent deals such as Woody Johnson’s acquisition of a stake in Crystal Palace FC.
ALK Capital was advised by Jefferies Financial Group on this transaction, further highlighting the increasing role of financial institutions in facilitating sports-related investments.
This investment marks an exciting chapter for ALK Capital and Cynosure | Checketts Sports Capital as they leverage their combined experience and vision to drive growth and success for Burnley FC and RCD Espanyol.
