Global Sport Group acquires Equine Network

CVC's Global Sport Group is set to acquire a controlling stake in Equine Network for approximately €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion), in a strategic move to bolster its presence in the U.S. market. The acquisition, made from private equity firm Growth Catalyst Partners, is anticipated to finalize by the second quarter of 2026, following regulatory approval.

Equine Network, described by CVC as the largest for-profit equestrian sports entity in the U.S., operates in an estimated $2.5 billion sector—marking this acquisition as Global Sport Group’s first league investment since its inception in 2025. The Equine Network encompasses around 40 owned-and-operated competitions and oversees over 800 sanctioned third-party events. Revenue streams are mainly event-driven, complemented by league-level services and membership offerings.

Strategically, CVC views Equine Network as expanding its Global Sport Group's portfolio, which already includes stakes in major European football leagues like La Liga and Ligue 1, as well as the Women’s Tennis Association and prominent rugby competitions. The addition of Equine Network introduces a new sporting discipline to CVC’s U.S. footprint, tapping into a market characterized by high participant engagement and the potential for long-term growth via media rights, sponsorships, and data analytics.

In the broader consumer technology and sports markets, this acquisition underscores the ongoing trend of investment in established sports platforms offering predictable revenue streams and growth potential. By integrating Equine Network, CVC aims to leverage its experience and capital to enhance league operations and commercial opportunities domestically, while securing a foothold in a vertically integrated sport.

As the deal progresses, former WWE Co-Presidents Michelle Wilson and George Barrios will assume roles as Co-Chairs of Equine Network, post-acquisition. Working alongside current CEO Tom Winsor, they are expected to drive the company's expansion and optimize its operations using GSG’s proprietary growth models. Pending regulatory clearance, the transaction aligns with CVC's broader strategy to invest in sports intellectual property, a sector it believes offers substantial opportunities for innovation and scaling.