Gareth Bale, the 36-year-old retired footballer, has announced his investment in women's sports, partnering with Juggernaut Capital Partners to create a dedicated sports investment vehicle.
What's behind the investment?
Bale's decision to invest in women's sports comes after his retirement from football, where he won five Champions League trophies with Real Madrid and lifted the MLS Cup with Los Angeles FC.
He has two daughters, aged 10 and 13, who participate in various sports, giving him a first-hand view of the opportunities available to girls.
Why women's sports?
Bale believes that women's sports lack the same opportunities as men's, and he wants to help fill the gap, making it more accessible for girls to participate from a younger age.
He says, "If you look at how I went through in an academy, that's probably not the same in women's sport, so it is hopefully where we can fill in the blanks and try and build it out."
What's next for the investment?
The new venture, in partnership with Juggernaut Capital Partners, aims to invest over $500 million in "high-growth" opportunities in football teams, youth development, golf, and experiential sports assets.
An announcement about the first investment is expected in the next few months, with the focus on a US-based women's team.
Bale's partner, John Shulman, founder of Juggernaut Capital Partners, says that men's sports teams are at a "valuation range that is uninteresting to us", making women's teams a more attractive investment opportunity.
The investment vehicle will also focus on golf and other experiential sports assets, with mixed golf and lacrosse set to feature at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Bale's son, Axel, is a fan of Real Madrid and Tottenham, and Bale enjoys watching football with him, now that he has stepped back from the sport.
He had retired from football at the age of 33, after a successful career that included winning the Champions League five times and appearing for Wales at the World Cup in 2022.