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Founded in 1990 by a group including prolific sports team investor Josh Harris, Apollo Global Management is an American asset management firm that primarily invests in alternative assets.
In September 2025, it launched Apollo Sports Capital (ASC), a new investment business providing capital solutions across the global sports and live events ecosystem.
Source of funding
With US$908 billion of assets under management as of September 2025, Apollo is funded primarily through long-term capital committed by institutional investors rather than its own balance sheet. Its core sources of funding include pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and high-net-worth individuals.
Investment thesis
Apollo invests with a long-term mindset, backing businesses with reliable cashflows and clear growth potential across a wide range of risk profiles. Operating across equity, credit and real assets, the firm believes this lets it offer funding tailored to each partner’s needs, while still limiting risk and keeping the upside.
Once Apollo invests, it focuses on building stronger businesses rather than relying purely on financial restructuring. This means improving how companies are run, strengthening governance, making better use of data and insights, and putting clear performance targets in place. Apollo also works closely with management teams and often takes an active role in shaping strategy and long-term plans to support sustainable growth.
This philosophy also rings true for ASC. The permanent capital holding company plans to invest predominantly in credit and hybrid opportunities in the sports landscape, spanning franchises, leagues, venues, media and events. ASC intends to be a stable, long-term partner to the sports sector, providing patient capital and adding strategic value.
The launch of ASC marked the first time Apollo allocated permanent capital to the sports sector and builds on the firm’s existing presence in sports. As of September 2025, its managed funds had deployed approximately US$17 billion in the broader space through investments in sports and entertainment companies, media rights, and stadium and league financings.
Key personnel
Marc Rowan – Co-founder, Chief Executive and Chair of the Board, Apollo Global Management
Joined: 1990
Role: Rowan is responsible for leading Apollo’s overall strategy, operations and investment direction.
Background: Rowan worked at multinational investment bank Drexel Burnham Lambert, which collapsed in 1990. He then co-founded Apollo with former Drexel colleagues Josh Harris and Leon Black
Al Tylis – Chief Executive, Apollo Sports Capital
Appointed: 2025
Role: Tylis is responsible for setting ASC’s strategic direction and managing its investment activities.
Background: Tylis led several sports investments before joining ASC, including as owner and chairman of Club Necaxa, La Equidad and the Brooklyn Pickleball Team. He also serves on the boards of G2 Esports, United Pickleball Association (UPA) and Canvas Property Group. He worked as president and chief executive of NorthStar Asset Management before ASC.
Sam Porter – Chief Strategy Officer, Apollo Sports Capital
Appointed: 2025
Role: Porter identifies, evaluates and executes investments for ASC, supporting portfolio growth and strategic development.
Background: Porter initially joined Apollo in 2022 as a senior advisor. Before that, he was director of business and legal affairs at Swansea City soccer club. He is also a co-managing partner at both Mexico’s Club Necaxa and the DC Pickleball Team.
Robert Givone – Co-Portfolio Manager, Apollo Sports Capital and Partner, Apollo Global Management
Appointed: 2025
Role: As a partner, Givone is head of portfolio strategies and co-chief credit officer at Apollo, in addition to his new role co-managing ASC’s portfolio.
Background: Before joining Apollo in 2015, Givone was senior research analyst at Davidson Kempne. Prior to that, he was vice president at Brencourt Advisors and an investment banking analyst at Lehman Brothers. He was also a former professional tennis player.
Lee Solomon – Co-Portfolio Manager, Apollo Sports Capital and Partner, Apollo Global Management
Appointed: 2025
Role: Solomon is partner, private equity at Apollo, in addition to his new role co-managing ASC’s portfolio.
Background: Before joining Apollo in 2009, Solomon was an executive in the media industry and principal at Grosvenor Park, which was a joint venture with Fortress Investment Group.
The launch of ASC in September 2025 marked the first time Apollo allocated permanent capital to the sports sector
Transaction history
Atletico Madrid
Deal value: Atletico Madrid valued at €2.5 billion
Type: Acquisition
Sport: Soccer
Market: Europe
Date: November 2025
ASC’s majority stake in Atletico Madrid is reportedly between 51 per cent and 55 per cent, marking its first investment since launching in September 2025. The LaLiga club has been positioned as Apollo’s flagship majority equity investment, rather than a precursor to a broader multi-club ownership strategy.
Wrexham
Type: Minority stake
Sport: Soccer
Market: Europe
Date: December 2025
ASC made another move into soccer by becoming a minority shareholder in Wrexham, the Welsh club which has risen to the second tier of the English pyramid under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.
ASC’s stake in the Red Dragons is reportedly less than ten per cent and the firm will support the team’s ambitions to reach the Premier League.
Other notable investments
Apollo is an investor in Mari, the new holding company launched in October 2025 by TKO Group Holdings chief executive Ari Emanuel. The firm houses assets acquired from Endeavor Group Holdings, including the Madrid Open and Miami Open tennis tournaments.
Mari also controls the Abu Dhabi Open, the Washington DC Open, the SP Open and several other exhibition tennis events. RedBird Capital Partners, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and HSG are among Mari’s other investors.
Beyond that, Apollo provided Premier League club Nottingham Forest with an UK£80 million loan in 2024. The firm had also agreed an investment deal with Mexican soccer’s Liga MX in 2024, only for that to fall apart.
This is the latest instalment in a feature series spotlighting some of the most prominent investors in the sports industry. To stay up to date on the sports investment space, sign up to our Investment Newsletter here.