IN SPORT, PASSION POWERS PROFIT.
Competition for prize assets continues to heat up and assessing and demonstrating value are crucial skills. Finding the right adviser to identify the perfect target or guide you through a process is key.
At IRIS, we help sports organisations plan and execute their finance strategy and think through the big decisions around ownership, investment and growth. For institutional investors, syndicates and private equity firms, we help navigate the opportunities and identify the deep value. We assess the commercial opportunities and risks and help get deals done.
We advise sports organisations on the right model and strategy to accelerate their growth – and bring the right partners to achieve it.
We help investors grow their sports portfolio by identifying and qualifying acquisition and partnership opportunities.
CASE STUDY
PFL Africa
PFL Africa is the first premium MMA league featuring top African athletes, with all events held across the continent, and available via leading media partners in CANAL+ Group & SuperSport
There is a collective ambition PFL Africa will be Africa’s most accessible sports league across linear, digital and mobile platforms upon Q2 2025 launch alongside Francis Ngannou (incoming Chairman)
Our impact
Secured significant growth capital investment from Helios Sports & Entertainment Group (HSEG) into PFL Africa
HSEG is a committed partner of choice for global blue-chip sports and entertainment properties in Africa such as the PFL and has made 4 investments to date.
The portfolio includes a successful partnership with the NBA in the NBA Africa, an investment in global entertainment company The Malachite Group with a portfolio that includes Afro Nation and an investment in Zaria Group, a multi-purpose venue management business.
Our approach
Ran a highly-targeted process to identify investors with relevant experience across Africa, sport and media
Built compelling equity story and financial model including validation of the the commercial and media business plan via our multidisciplinary approach
Drove alignment between PFL Global and PFL Africa Newco investor to structure optimal partnership
We are looking forward to partnering with the PFL, a world class organization, and with Francis Ngannou, who is a manifestation of the success of African talent on a global stage.
Tope Lawani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners
