A League of Their Own: Exploring the Potential for Institutional Investment in European Women’s Club Soccer

Presenter: Benjamin Casey Luckner

Faculty Sponsor: Brett Albert

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: Finance

Session: Poster Session 4, 2:15 PM - 3:00 PM, 163, C21

ABSTRACT

Our study explores the investment potential of women's soccer, focusing on opportunities for investment funds with an interest in diversifying controlling sports equity positions in Europe. Despite growing public interest in the women’s game, our analysis reveals a significant discrepancy between market perceptions and financial realities, particularly in European leagues. By examining the financial statements of these clubs, we uncover a unique paradox. These teams are priced far beyond their book value, yet they also contain the underlying potential of a distressed asset in a growing market.

The study explores how historical factors and systemic biases have shaped the current landscape of women's soccer, creating inefficiencies that present lucrative opportunities for informed investors. By drawing parallels with the failed attempt to form a breakaway European men’s league, we assess the feasibility and potential benefits of similar structures in the women's game.

Our research culminates in a comprehensive investment pitch tailored for institutional investment funds. This includes a prospectus for a new elite European women's soccer league, business solutions to realize the intrinsic potential, and an exit strategy for investors. We argue that institutional investors, with their substantial capital and operational expertise, are uniquely positioned to transform women's soccer into a highly profitable global sports property.

This study bridges financial analysis with practical investment strategies, aiming to catalyze significant investment with a clear path to realizing these assets underlying value. The potential impact extends beyond financial returns, potentially reshaping the landscape of women's sports and globally advancing gender equity in athletics.

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