Private Equity Firms Bid for Serie A Media Stake

Four private equity firms—Carlyle, Bain Capital, Oaktree Capital Management, and Nextalia—are preparing bids for a minority stake in the international media unit of Serie A. The unit manages international media rights, sponsorship, and betting businesses, generating approximately 200 million euros in core earnings and 250 million euros in annual sales.

Investors are bidding for a 10% to 20% stake in a venture valued between 3 billion euros and 4 billion euros. Binding offers are due by September 4. The process was initiated by Chase Bank, which serves as the financial adviser to the league. To proceed, any deal must receive approval from at least 14 of the 20 clubs in the league.

This effort follows a failed 2021 attempt to sell a stake in the league's domestic media unit. The current sale is driven by the league's struggle to compete for international broadcasting interest against the English Premier League and the expanded UEFA Champions League.