Global Sport Group Launches Athlete Advisory Board With Siya Kolisi: A New Era of Collaboration
Private Equity firm Global Sport Group (GSG) has taken a significant step towards fostering greater collaboration between its investment platform and the sports world by launching an Athlete Advisory Board (AAB). The board, established in partnership with Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), aims to provide athletes' voices at the centre of GSG's planning, league inputs, and long-term strategy.
GSG has a well-established reputation for investing in premier sports leagues, including La Liga, World Tennis Association (WTA), the 6 Nations, Volleyball World, and the United Rugby Championship (URC). With its Athlete Advisory Board, the company is now seeking to tap into athletes' expertise to inform its decision-making process.
The AAB will comprise three international sports stars: Siya Kolisi, South Africa rugby captain; David Villa, Spanish FIFA World Cup winner; and Skylar Diggins, seven-time WNBA All-Star. These individuals bring diverse perspectives, with Kolisi focusing on athlete welfare, development pathways, and the importance of commercial innovation; Diggins prioritizing equitable investment in women's sports; and Villa working to strengthen fan-player connections.
According to Marc Allera, GSG Chairman, "The Athlete Advisory Board gives us a structured way to bring those voices directly into our decision making, ensuring our leagues grow in ways that reflect the values and realities of the players themselves." The board is expected to meet regularly to discuss topics like commercialization, pathways for youth and female athletes, storytelling, and fan-player connections.
While private equity investments have become increasingly prevalent in the sports industry, their impact can be double-edged. GSG is well aware of this concern, and Kolisi echoes this sentiment: "Investment in resources and in the sport itself can, of course, be hugely beneficial, provided that the heartbeat remains with the players, the fans, and the communities that love and enjoy the sport."
The AAB represents a significant shift towards collaboration between athletes and investors. As private equity's role in sports continues to grow, oversight on investments will become increasingly necessary. GSG's initiative provides a novel approach to investing by giving athletes' voices a space to voice their comments and concerns.
Ultimately, the success of the Athlete Advisory Board hinges on its ability to translate lived expertise into the boardroom setting. If it succeeds, it could be a win for both businesses and the sports industry, as investment goes towards the right spaces, levels the playing field, and fosters genuine connections between athletes and communities.
Private Equity firm Global Sport Group (GSG) has taken a significant step towards fostering greater collaboration between its investment platform and the sports world by launching an Athlete Advisory Board (AAB). The board, established in partnership with Roc Nation Sports International (RNSI), aims to provide athletes' voices at the centre of GSG's planning, league inputs, and long-term strategy.
GSG has a well-established reputation for investing in premier sports leagues, including La Liga, World Tennis Association (WTA), the 6 Nations, Volleyball World, and the United Rugby Championship (URC). With its Athlete Advisory Board, the company is now seeking to tap into athletes' expertise to inform its decision-making process.
The AAB will comprise three international sports stars: Siya Kolisi, South Africa rugby captain; David Villa, Spanish FIFA World Cup winner; and Skylar Diggins, seven-time WNBA All-Star. These individuals bring diverse perspectives, with Kolisi focusing on athlete welfare, development pathways, and the importance of commercial innovation; Diggins prioritizing equitable investment in women's sports; and Villa working to strengthen fan-player connections.
According to Marc Allera, GSG Chairman, "The Athlete Advisory Board gives us a structured way to bring those voices directly into our decision making, ensuring our leagues grow in ways that reflect the values and realities of the players themselves." The board is expected to meet regularly to discuss topics like commercialization, pathways for youth and female athletes, storytelling, and fan-player connections.
While private equity investments have become increasingly prevalent in the sports industry, their impact can be double-edged. GSG is well aware of this concern, and Kolisi echoes this sentiment: "Investment in resources and in the sport itself can, of course, be hugely beneficial, provided that the heartbeat remains with the players, the fans, and the communities that love and enjoy the sport."
The AAB represents a significant shift towards collaboration between athletes and investors. As private equity's role in sports continues to grow, oversight on investments will become increasingly necessary. GSG's initiative provides a novel approach to investing by giving athletes' voices a space to voice their comments and concerns.
Ultimately, the success of the Athlete Advisory Board hinges on its ability to translate lived expertise into the boardroom setting. If it succeeds, it could be a win for both businesses and the sports industry, as investment goes towards the right spaces, levels the playing field, and fosters genuine connections between athletes and communities.