Global Sport Group Secures £3bn Refinancing with Pimco & KKR Investment

Global Sport Group (GSG) has secured a significant £3 billion refinancing deal with asset management giant Pimco, bolstering its financial position and paving the way for future acquisitions within the sports investment landscape.

The deal, announced on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, sees Pimco anchoring a €2.35 billion senior debt financing for GSG, the portfolio company controlled by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners. This refinancing is part of a larger restructuring of GSG’s capital structure, which also includes approximately €900 million in junior debt and the planned sale of a minority equity stake.

GSG’s diverse portfolio includes stakes in some of the most prominent sporting properties globally, including Six Nations Rugby, Premiership Rugby, and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). The financial injection from Pimco underscores the growing appeal of sports as an investment asset class and CVC’s long-term commitment to the sector.

According to sources familiar with the deal, the terms secured with Pimco are favorable for CVC. This suggests a strong level of confidence in GSG’s current performance and future prospects. The refinancing provides CVC with increased financial flexibility to pursue further investment opportunities and consolidate its position as a leading sports investment vehicle.

Adding to the intrigue surrounding GSG is the reported interest from KKR, another American private equity giant, in acquiring a minority equity stake. Discussions are said to be advanced, with KKR potentially investing a total of €1.6 billion across GSG’s capital structure, encompassing both debt and equity. This potential investment would further strengthen GSG’s financial foundation and provide additional capital for strategic initiatives.

The timing of this financial maneuver is particularly noteworthy. GSG recently finalized the acquisition of Equine Network, a US-based equestrian sports league, demonstrating its appetite for expansion beyond its core portfolio. Gemma Wright, Partner at CVC, emphasized the firm’s long-term vision, stating, “The creation of Global Sport Group was driven by our conviction that premium sports leagues benefit from long-term, specialist ownership and collaboration. CVC’s investment experience in sports spans over twenty years and, while much has changed in that time, sports IP remains a very attractive opportunity in which we continue to see significant potential for further innovation and growth.”

The involvement of Pimco is also significant given its high-profile advisory board, chaired by former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The presence of influential figures like Janet Yellen, former US Treasury Secretary, and Joshua Bolten, former White House Chief of Staff, on Pimco’s global advisory board adds further weight to the deal and highlights the growing intersection of finance and sports.

While CVC’s stake in the Indian Premier League franchise, Gujarat Titans, is not currently part of GSG, the firm is expected to complete a full sale of the team, having relinquished control in recent seasons. This strategic move suggests a focus on streamlining its portfolio and concentrating resources on its core assets within GSG.

The £3 billion refinancing deal with Pimco represents a pivotal moment for Global Sport Group and CVC Capital Partners. It not only provides financial stability but also positions the company for continued growth and expansion in the dynamic world of sports investment. The influx of capital will allow GSG to capitalize on emerging opportunities, further innovate within its existing portfolio, and potentially explore new ventures, including a possible increased presence in US sports, as some analysts have suggested.

The deal also signals a broader trend of institutional investors recognizing the value and potential of sports properties. As leagues and teams continue to generate substantial revenue and attract global audiences, they are becoming increasingly attractive targets for investment, driving up valuations and fueling further growth within the industry. The long-term implications of this trend are likely to be profound, reshaping the landscape of professional sports for years to come.