Equine Network Deal Signals Diversification Drive in Sports Investment

Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners has a controlling stake in Equine Network, through its Global Sport Group, in a deal valuing the business at $300 million.

The acquisition marks the first major investment by CVC’s newly formed Global Sport Group and signals a deliberate move beyond traditional mainstream sports. Equine Network owns and operates a wide portfolio of horse sport and rodeo assets, including competition platforms, media rights and event series such as the World Series of Team Roping.

Equestrian sport has increasingly attracted investor interest due to its loyal North American fan bases, broadcast friendly formats and strong links to lifestyle sponsorship, betting and digital media. CVC’s entry reflects confidence that the sector offers scalable commercial upside through international expansion and enhanced content monetisation.

Equine Network founder and chief executive Tom Winsor will continue to lead the business, aligning with CVC’s strategy of pairing financial backing with existing management expertise. The focus will be on accelerating growth across events, media distribution and global partnerships while maintaining the sport’s heritage appeal.

The deal comes alongside reports that KKR is the frontrunner to acquire a significant stake in CVC’s Global Sport Group investment vehicle, in a transaction that could value the platform at around $3 billion. Such a move would strengthen the capital base supporting future acquisitions across niche and emerging sports verticals.

For the equine sports industry, CVC’s involvement represents a major vote of confidence and could act as a catalyst for further institutional investment. As private equity continues to broaden its sports exposure, equestrian assets are increasingly positioned as credible, scalable components of diversified sports portfolios.