CVC’s Global Sport Group Acquires Equine Network for $300 M, Expands Equestrian Footprint

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CVC Capital Partners Expands Sports Portfolio with $300 Million Equine Network Acquisition

New york – CVC Capital Partners’ Global sport Group (GSG) has finalized an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Equine Network, the leading for-profit equestrian-based league in the United States, for a reported $300 million. The deal, anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of this year pending regulatory clearances, marks GSG’s inaugural investment as its formation last September.

A Growing Market and Strategic Diversification

Equine Network, which boasts 40 competitions spanning disciplines such as team roping, showjumping, and ranch sorting, represents a significant expansion for GSG into the rapidly growing equestrian sports market.The company also oversees more than 800 third-party run events, deriving revenue from event operations, league affiliations, and membership services. According to the American Horse Council, the U.S. equine industry contributes over $50 billion annually to the national economy, with recreational riding and competition as key drivers.

Leadership Transition and Growth Strategy

Following the completion of the transaction, Michelle Wilson and George Barrios, both current directors at GSG and formerly Co-Presidents of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), are slated to assume the roles of Co-Chairs of Equine Network. They will collaborate closely with Equine Network founder Tom Winsor and the existing leadership team to implement an ambitious growth strategy.

“This partnership with CVC and Global Sport Group arrives at a transformative moment for Equine Network,” stated Winsor. He emphasized CVC’s proven ability to nurture and scale global sports platforms, alongside the expertise of the GSG team, as crucial for expanding leagues, enhancing fan engagement through data analytics, and unlocking new commercial opportunities.

GSG’s Expanding Portfolio and Financial Backing

Equine Network will join a robust GSG portfolio that already includes prominent entities such as the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), soccer leagues LaLiga and Ligue 1, Prem Rugby, the six Nations, the United Rugby Championship (URC), and Volleyball World. This strategic acquisition, valued at a collective $14 billion, is designed to diversify GSG’s U.S. holdings and strengthen its overall market position.

GSG,led by Marc Allera,formerly of EE and BT,is focused on maximizing the commercial potential of its properties through innovative sponsorship deals,data-driven insights,and engaging media strategies. The company projects an annual revenue growth of approximately 10% over the next five years. A recent report by Deloitte highlights the increasing importance of data analytics and digital fan engagement in driving revenue

what implications does CVC’s acquisition of Equine Network have for the future of equestrian sports?

CVC’s Global Sport Group Acquires Equine Network for $300 M, Expands Equestrian Footprint

CVC’s Global Sport Group (GSG) has significantly bolstered its presence in the equestrian world with the acquisition of Equine Network for a reported $300 million. This strategic move signals a growing investor confidence in the sport and related industries, and positions CVC as a major player across multiple equestrian disciplines. The deal, finalized on January 28th, 2026, is poised too reshape the landscape of horse sports, breeding, and related media.

Understanding the Players: CVC Global Sport Group & Equine Network

CVC GSG is a leading investor in sports, entertainment, and leisure businesses. Their portfolio already includes significant holdings in rugby, football, and other prominent sporting sectors.This acquisition demonstrates a clear diversification strategy, recognizing the increasing commercial viability of equestrian activities.

Equine Network,prior to the acquisition,was a dominant force in the equestrian digital space. The company’s portfolio encompassed several key brands:

* Horse & hound: A leading UK equestrian magazine and online platform.

* Practical Horseman: A US-based magazine catering to horse owners and riders.

* Spruce Meadows: A world-renowned international show jumping facility in Canada.

* Jump Media: A thorough equestrian media and marketing agency.

This diverse range of assets provides CVC with immediate access to a broad audience of equestrian enthusiasts, competitors, and industry professionals.

The Deal’s Implications for the Equestrian Industry

The $300 million price tag underscores the significant value now placed on equestrian-related businesses. this acquisition is expected to trigger several key changes:

1. Increased Investment: CVC’s financial backing will likely lead to increased investment in Equine Network’s existing brands, perhaps fueling expansion into new markets and the progress of innovative digital products.
2. Enhanced Media Coverage: Expect to see a significant boost in the quality and reach of equestrian media coverage, with potential for live streaming of events, enhanced online content, and broader distribution networks.
3. Professionalization of Equestrian Sports: CVC’s expertise in sports management and commercialization could lead to a more professionalized approach to running equestrian events and leagues, attracting greater sponsorship and viewership.
4. Growth in Digital Platforms: The acquisition highlights the importance of digital platforms in reaching equestrian audiences. Further development of online communities, e-commerce solutions, and data analytics is anticipated.

Synergies and Potential Future Developments

Analysts predict CVC will leverage synergies between Equine Network and its existing sports portfolio. This could involve cross-promotion of events, shared marketing resources, and the request of data-driven insights to enhance fan engagement.

Specifically, potential areas of development include:

* Expansion of Spruce Meadows: Investment in infrastructure and event programming at Spruce Meadows could solidify its position as a premier equestrian destination.

* Global Expansion of Horse & Hound/Practical Horseman: Reaching new international audiences through digital translation and localized content.

* Development of a unified Equestrian Platform: Creating a centralized digital hub for equestrian news, events, training resources, and e-commerce.

* Investment in Equestrian Technology: Exploring opportunities in areas like wearable technology for horses, advanced training aids, and data analytics for performance optimization.

The Broader Trend: Private Equity in Equestrian Sports

CVC’s acquisition is not an isolated event. Private equity firms are increasingly recognizing the potential of equestrian sports as a viable investment possibility. Several factors are driving this trend:

* Growing Global Participation: Equestrian activities are gaining popularity worldwide, notably in affluent markets.

* High-Value Assets: Horses themselves represent significant assets, and the breeding and trading of horses is a lucrative industry.

* Strong Brand Loyalty: Equestrian brands frequently enough enjoy strong brand loyalty among enthusiasts.

* Untapped Commercial Potential: Compared to mainstream sports, equestrian sports have significant untapped commercial potential.

case Study: The Impact of Investment in Show Jumping

The Global champions League (GCL) provides a compelling case study of how investment can transform a sport. Founded in 2016, the GCL revolutionized show jumping by introducing a team-based format, securing high-profile sponsorships, and investing in high-quality event production. This model has significantly increased the sport’s visibility and commercial appeal, attracting a wider audience and generating substantial revenue. CVC’s acquisition of Equine Network could potentially replicate this success across other equestrian disciplines.

What This Means for Equestrian Professionals & Enthusiasts

For riders, trainers, and breeders, this acquisition represents both opportunities and challenges.Increased investment could lead to greater prize money, improved facilities, and enhanced training resources. However, it could also lead to increased competition and a greater emphasis on commercial viability.

For equestrian enthusiasts, the acquisition promises more engaging content, improved event experiences, and a more professionalized sport overall. The increased focus on digital platforms will likely make it easier to access information,connect with other enthusiasts,and participate in the equestrian community.