Apollo Announces Launch of Apollo Sports Capital
Rhea-AI Summary
Apollo (NYSE:APO) has announced the launch of Apollo Sports Capital (ASC), a new investment business focused on providing capital solutions across the global sports and live events ecosystem. The company has appointed Al Tylis as CEO, Apollo Partners Rob Givone and Lee Solomon as Co-Portfolio Managers, and Sam Porter as Chief Strategy Officer.
ASC will primarily invest in credit and hybrid opportunities across sports franchises, leagues, venues, media, and events. The platform builds on Apollo's established presence in sports, where its managed funds have already deployed approximately $17 billion in the broader space. The permanent capital holding company aims to be a stable, long-term partner to the sector, providing patient capital and strategic value.
Positive
- Expansion into growing sports and live events market with dedicated investment platform
- Strong leadership team with proven track record in sports investments
- Built on existing success with $17 billion already deployed in the broader sports space
- Diversified investment approach across multiple sports-related sectors
Negative
- Entering a competitive market with established players
- Success dependent on sports market conditions and industry dynamics
Insights
Apollo launches sports investment platform led by experienced executives to capitalize on growing sports financing opportunities, expanding its alternative investment portfolio.
Apollo has strategically expanded its alternative investment portfolio by launching Apollo Sports Capital (ASC), a new investment business focused on providing credit and hybrid capital solutions across the global sports ecosystem. This platform represents an extension of Apollo's existing presence in sports, where its managed funds have already deployed approximately
The company has assembled a strong leadership team for ASC, appointing Al Tylis, who brings valuable experience as an owner and chairman of multiple sports properties, as CEO. Apollo Partners Rob Givone and Lee Solomon will serve as co-portfolio managers, with Sam Porter as Chief Strategy Officer.
What makes this platform distinctive is its structure as a permanent capital holding company designed to be a stable, long-term capital partner - contrasting with traditional private equity approaches that typically have defined investment horizons. ASC will predominantly focus on credit and hybrid opportunities rather than pure equity plays, targeting investments across franchises, leagues, venues, media, and events.
This launch aligns with the growing institutionalization of sports investment, where specialized expertise and flexible capital solutions are increasingly valued. The sports sector continues to see rising valuations and complex financing needs, creating opportunities for institutional capital providers with domain expertise. By establishing ASC, Apollo is positioning itself to capture value in this expanding market while diversifying its alternative investment portfolio with a business line that can generate consistent fee-related earnings.
ASC names Al Tylis as CEO, Apollo Partners Rob Givone and Lee Solomon as Co-Portfolio Managers, and Sam Porter as Chief Strategy Officer
NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced the launch of Apollo Sports Capital (ASC), a new investment business providing capital solutions across the global sports and live events ecosystem. Al Tylis, a seasoned sports investor and executive has been named Chief Executive Officer of ASC. Apollo Partners Rob Givone and Lee Solomon have been named co-portfolio managers of the platform. Sam Porter has been named Chief Strategy Officer for ASC.
ASC will invest predominantly in credit and hybrid opportunities in the sports landscape, spanning franchises, leagues, venues, media, events and more. The permanent capital holding company is designed to be a stable, long-term partner to the sector, providing patient capital and adding strategic value.
Co-President of Apollo Asset Management John Zito said, “With Apollo Sports Capital, we’ve set out to build the preeminent investment company in the growing world of sports. Our aim is to create durable, long-term value not only for investors but also for fans, teams and communities.”
Zito continued, “We’ve known Al for many years. He brings a rare combination of investment and operational success in both sports and real estate. Together with the expertise of Rob, Lee and the broader team, we believe ASC will be well positioned as a capital solutions leader in the industry.”
ASC CEO Al Tylis said, “Having owned or invested in many teams and leagues over the years, I know firsthand how valuable Apollo Sports Capital will be to the market. We bring patient capital, extensive networks, and a range of solutions that go beyond the typical equity-only strategies. Lee, Rob, Sam and the Apollo team have extensive experience investing across this ecosystem, and together we’ve set out to build something differentiated and enduring in the world of sports.”
Prior to joining ASC, Tylis led numerous sports investments, 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 and Canvas Property Group, and is the co-founder of the Tylis Family Foundation. Tylis is a former real estate executive, having most recently served as president and CEO of NorthStar Asset Management.
ASC will build on Apollo’s established presence in sports, with Apollo’s managed funds having deployed approximately
About Apollo
Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade credit to private equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of June 30, 2025, Apollo had approximately
Contacts
Noah Gunn
Global Head of Investor Relations
(212) 822-0540
IR@apollo.com
Joanna Rose
Global Head of Corporate Communications
(212) 822-0491
Communications@apollo.com
FAQ
What is Apollo Sports Capital (ASC) and when was it launched?
Who are the key executives appointed to Apollo Sports Capital?
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